1968 Opel Olympia vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1968 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 451 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Opel Olympia 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 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1968 Opel Olympia has manual transmission. 1968 Opel Olympia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Olympia | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Olympia | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
