1968 Marcos 1600 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Marcos 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Marcos 1600 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1968 Marcos 1600. (88 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1968 Marcos 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 638 kg more than 1968 Marcos 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Marcos 1600 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 Marcos 1600. 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 (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Marcos 1600. (130 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Marcos 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Marcos 1600 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Marcos | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1600 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
