1962 Honda S500 vs. 1971 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 9 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 1,604 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 370 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.
Because 1962 Honda S500 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 1962 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1971 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 1971 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S500 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 1604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
