1971 Honda Life vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 37 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (34 HP @ 9000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 741 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (32 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2510 mm |
