1971 Cadillac Fleetwood vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood would be higher. At 7,725 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (345 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood weights approximately 843 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood 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 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood (679 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fleetwood | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7725 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 679 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 109.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 103.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2223 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5810 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2537 mm |
