1978 Toyota Corolla vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 370 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Corolla | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
