1951 Ford Vedette vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 54 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1951 Ford Vedette. (66 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Vedette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 170 kg more than 1951 Ford Vedette. 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, 2005 Volkswagen New 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Vedette. (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Vedette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Vedette | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vedette | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2158 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2520 mm |
