1976 Volkswagen Polo 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 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (55 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 541 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. 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 (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volkswagen Polo | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 725 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
