1974 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 1161 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volkswagen Beetle | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Beetle | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1935 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2868 mm |
