1977 Daihatsu Taft vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Daihatsu Taft. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Daihatsu Taft would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Daihatsu Taft (44 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Daihatsu Taft should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Daihatsu Taft weights approximately 200 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Daihatsu Taft is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Daihatsu Taft will offer significantly more control. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Daihatsu Taft. (63 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Daihatsu Taft.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Daihatsu Taft | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taft | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 958 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2410 mm |
