1960 Ford Taunus vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1960 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 278 kg more than 1960 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Ford Taunus 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 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Ford Taunus | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
