1972 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (91 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 552 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
