1975 Ford Capri vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1975 Ford Capri. (88 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 142 kg more than 1975 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ford Capri 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 1975 Ford Capri. 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Capri. (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Capri | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1023 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
