1969 Dodge Coronet vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Dodge Coronet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Dodge Coronet would be higher. At 3,690 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Dodge Coronet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Dodge Coronet (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Dodge Coronet should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Dodge Coronet weights approximately 540 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Dodge Coronet 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 1969 Dodge Coronet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1969 Dodge Coronet (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Dodge Coronet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Dodge Coronet | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Coronet | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3690 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2410 mm |
