1975 Honda Life vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1975 Honda Life. (30 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1975 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 741 kg more than 1975 Honda Life. 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Honda Life | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Life | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
