1970 Opel Manta vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Manta would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (169 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1970 Opel Manta. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 349 kg more than 1970 Opel Manta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Manta. (146 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Opel Manta | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Manta | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1349 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
