1964 Ford GT 40 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1964 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 486 kg more than 1964 Ford GT 40.
Because 1964 Ford GT 40 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 1964 Ford GT 40. 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) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Ford GT 40 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT 40 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1040 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2510 mm |
