1960 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (42 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 843 kg more than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fairthorpe Electron 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 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1960 Fairthorpe Electron has manual transmission. 1960 Fairthorpe Electron will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fairthorpe Electron | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Electron | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 42 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
