1974 Lancia Stratos vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 353 kg more than 1974 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1974 Lancia Stratos 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 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Stratos. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Stratos.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Stratos | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stratos | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
