1978 Plymouth Volare 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 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 125 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1978 Plymouth Volare 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 Plymouth Volare. 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Plymouth Volare. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Plymouth Volare.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Plymouth Volare | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Volare | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2537 mm |
