1973 Rover 3.5 Litre vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre weights approximately 257 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre 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 Rover 3.5 Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Rover 3.5 Litre (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3.5 Litre | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3532 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 276 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2710 mm |
