1976 Ford Fiesta vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 594 kg more than 1976 Ford Fiesta. 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 (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fiesta | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
