1972 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 36 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 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 206 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New 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, 2008 Volkswagen New 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 (502 Nm) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5752 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1486 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2510 mm |
