1964 Ford Zodiac vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1964 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1964 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 110 kg more than 1964 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Ford Zodiac 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 Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Ford Zodiac. (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Ford Zodiac | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
