1971 Toyota Corolla vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Toyota Corolla (62 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 40 kg more than 1971 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1971 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Toyota Corolla (95 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Toyota Corolla | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
