1968 Opel Olympia vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 42 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1968 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Olympia.
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, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Olympia | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Olympia | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| 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 |
