1962 Honda S500 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 48 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500.
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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S500 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
