1978 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Accord (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 234 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, both vehicles can yield 126 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
