1960 Mazda R 360 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Mazda R 360 would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1960 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1960 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 825 kg more than 1960 Mazda R 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Mazda R 360 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 Mazda R 360. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (150 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Mazda R 360 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | R 360 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 89 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 380 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2990 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1770 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
