1978 Porsche 924 vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 924. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 924 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Porsche 924 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Porsche 924 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Porsche 924 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 5 kg more than 1978 Porsche 924.
Because 1978 Porsche 924 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 Porsche 924. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New 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 Porsche 924 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Porsche 924 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Porsche 924 | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 924 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
