1973 Opel Manta vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1973 Opel Manta. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 368 kg more than 1973 Opel Manta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Manta. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Manta. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1973 Opel Manta has manual transmission. 1973 Opel Manta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Manta | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Manta | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2470 mm |
