1951 Ferrari 212 vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ferrari 212. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ferrari 212 would be higher. At 2,562 cc (12 cylinders), 1951 Ferrari 212 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Ferrari 212 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Ferrari 212 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 126 kg more than 1951 Ferrari 212.
Because 1951 Ferrari 212 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1951 Ferrari 212. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1951 Ferrari 212 (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1951 Ferrari 212 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ferrari 212 | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 212 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2562 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.8 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 159 L | 45 L |
