1973 Ford Fairlane vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Fairlane (212 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 220 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1973 Ford Fairlane (427 Nm) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm). This means 1973 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Fairlane | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
