1972 Ford Mustang vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,753 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (267 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 423 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Mustang 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 1972 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (417 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5753 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 417 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1654 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
