1978 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1978 ZIL 117
To start off, both 1978 Volkswagen Beetle and 1978 ZIL 117 were released in the same year (1978). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 6,958 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 117 (296 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 117 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 117 weights approximately 2130 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 ZIL 117 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 ZIL 117. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1978 ZIL 117 (570 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 484 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | 1978 ZIL 117 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | ZIL |
| Model | Beetle | 117 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1285 cc | 6958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 2950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3310 mm |
