1976 Ford Falcon vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1976 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Falcon weights approximately 47 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1976 Ford Falcon 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 1976 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 1976 Ford Falcon (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Falcon | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Falcon | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2537 mm |
