1973 Plymouth Barracuda vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 35 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 6 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 113 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1973 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Plymouth Barracuda | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barracuda | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3686 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.6 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
