1966 Ford Lotus Cortina vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 257 kg more than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Ford Lotus 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 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lotus Cortina | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
