1979 Dodge Aspen vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 105 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1979 Dodge Aspen 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 1979 Dodge Aspen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Aspen | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aspen | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2537 mm |
