1962 Honda S500 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 40 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 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 590 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, 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 (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S500 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
