1978 Ford Capri vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (87 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 241 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri. 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, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
