1978 Ford Capri vs. 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1978 Ford Capri is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (87 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 205 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen 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, 1978 Ford Capri (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Capri | 1974 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Capri | Beetle |
Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 125 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |