1963 AC Cobra vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 194 kg more than 1963 AC Cobra.
Because 1963 AC Cobra 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 1963 AC Cobra. 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | AC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cobra | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
