1970 Volkswagen 1302 vs. 1996 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1996 Plymouth Neon is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Plymouth Neon (132 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1302. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 289 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 1302. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 1302 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 Volkswagen 1302. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1996 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1302. (87 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1302. 1996 Plymouth Neon has automatic transmission and 1970 Volkswagen 1302 has manual transmission. 1970 Volkswagen 1302 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Plymouth Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Volkswagen 1302 | 1996 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Plymouth |
| Model | 1302 | Neon |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
