1962 Honda S500 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S500 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
