1951 Ford Vedette vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 62 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1951 Ford Vedette. (66 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Vedette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 252 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Vedette. (122 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Vedette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Vedette | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vedette | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2158 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1128 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2537 mm |
