1969 Opel Olympia vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1969 Opel Olympia. (58 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1969 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 600 kg more than 1969 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Olympia. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1969 Opel Olympia has manual transmission. 1969 Opel Olympia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Opel Olympia | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
Model | Olympia | Beetle |
Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1078 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 58 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 83 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |