1973 Plymouth Barracuda vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,686 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (89 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 157 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Plymouth Barracuda 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 Plymouth Barracuda. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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 Plymouth Barracuda (251 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1973 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Plymouth Barracuda | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barracuda | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3686 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2510 mm |
