1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 612 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ferrari 400 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 Ferrari 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 400 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 45 L |
