1971 Honda Life vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (115 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 672 kg more than 1971 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1971 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1971 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
