1974 Honda Z vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1974 Honda Z is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1974 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 230 kg more than 1974 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Z, 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, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1956 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Z | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
