1966 Ford Consul vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1966 Ford Consul. (45 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1525 kg more than 1966 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Ford Consul 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 1966 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Consul. (85 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Consul | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Consul | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1181 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 782 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
