1951 Ford Vedette vs. 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Vedette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Vedette would be higher. At 2,158 cc (8 cylinders), 1951 Ford Vedette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Ford Vedette (66 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Ford Vedette should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Ford Vedette weights approximately 308 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Ford Vedette 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 Ford Vedette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 Ford Vedette (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1951 Ford Vedette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Vedette | 1974 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vedette | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2158 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
