1973 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 355 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1973 Chevrolet Impala 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 1973 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 1973 Chevrolet Impala (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1973 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1973 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Impala | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impala | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2537 mm |
