1977 Holden Kingswood vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Holden Kingswood. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Holden Kingswood would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Holden Kingswood is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Holden Kingswood (213 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Holden Kingswood should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Holden Kingswood weights approximately 112 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Holden Kingswood 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 1977 Holden Kingswood. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New 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, 1977 Holden Kingswood (400 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1977 Holden Kingswood will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Holden Kingswood | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kingswood | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 213 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1268 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3010 mm |
