1970 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 7,014 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1970 Ford Mustang. (99 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Mustang weights approximately 399 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1970 Ford Mustang 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 1970 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1970 Ford Mustang (637 Nm) has 397 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm). This means 1970 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Mustang | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7014 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 637 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3010 mm |
