1974 Ford Fairlane vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Fairlane (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 143 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Fairlane 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 1974 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (241 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlane | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
