1968 Ford 17 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 304 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford 17 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 1968 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
