1968 Peugeot 204 vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Peugeot 204 would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1968 Peugeot 204. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1968 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 305 kg more than 1968 Peugeot 204. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Peugeot 204. (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Peugeot 204.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Peugeot 204 | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Peugeot | Volkswagen |
| Model | 204 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1130 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
