1966 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 6,385 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Mustang (320 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 81 kg more than 1966 Ford Mustang.
Because 1966 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (126 Nm) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Mustang. (85 Nm). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Mustang. 1966 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1966 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Mustang | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6385 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.9 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1179 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
