1978 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 222 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
