1973 Nissan President 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 Nissan President. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan President would be higher. At 2,973 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Nissan President is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1973 Nissan President. (109 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan President. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Nissan President weights approximately 272 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1973 Nissan President 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 Nissan President. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Nissan President. (236 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Nissan President.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Nissan President | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | President | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2973 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2537 mm |
