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 2,501 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 121 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 828 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 (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 203 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.
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 | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
