1963 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1963 Ford Cortina. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1963 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 510 kg more than 1963 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Cortina. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Ford Cortina | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cortina | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
