1979 Honda Prelude vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Prelude. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Prelude would be higher. At 2,475 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 272 kg more than 1979 Honda Prelude. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (232 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Prelude. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Prelude.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Prelude | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 2475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
