1961 Cadillac 62 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Cadillac 62. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Cadillac 62 would be higher. At 6,390 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Cadillac 62 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1961 Cadillac 62. (197 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 Cadillac 62. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Cadillac 62 weights approximately 690 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1961 Cadillac 62 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 1961 Cadillac 62. 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, 1961 Cadillac 62 (582 Nm) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm). This means 1961 Cadillac 62 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Cadillac 62 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | 62 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6390 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 582 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
