1974 Holden Statesman vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Holden Statesman (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Holden Statesman weights approximately 370 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 1974 Holden Statesman 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 Holden Statesman. 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, 1974 Holden Statesman (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Holden Statesman | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Statesman | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2860 mm |
