1974 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,501 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 307 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (114 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Volkswagen Golf | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1469 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
