1965 Porsche 912 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Porsche 912. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Porsche 912 would be higher. At 1,580 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Porsche 912 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (104 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1965 Porsche 912. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1965 Porsche 912. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 327 kg more than 1965 Porsche 912. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Porsche 912 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 1965 Porsche 912. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (175 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Porsche 912. (133 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Porsche 912.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Porsche 912 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 912 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
