1958 Ford 17 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 177 kg more than 1958 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Ford 17 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 1958 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford 17. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
