1978 Daihatsu Taft vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Daihatsu Taft. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Daihatsu Taft would be higher. At 2,530 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Taft is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. (62 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 148 kg more than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Daihatsu Taft is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Daihatsu Taft. (150 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Daihatsu Taft.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Taft | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taft | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Size | 2530 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2537 mm |
