1971 Honda Life vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 38 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), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1971 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1817 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Life | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| 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 | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 2307 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 |
