1966 Porsche 911 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Porsche 911 (160 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 204 kg more than 1966 Porsche 911.
Because 1966 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Porsche 911. (179 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Porsche 911 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 911 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1062 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
