1979 Ford LTD vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford LTD (129 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 246 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 Ford LTD. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Ford LTD (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | LTD | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
