1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 320 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 Mirada. 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mirada | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2537 mm |
