1979 Nissan 260 ZX vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Nissan 260 ZX (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Nissan 260 ZX should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 100 kg more than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX.
Because 1979 Nissan 260 ZX 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 Nissan 260 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Nissan 260 ZX (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Nissan 260 ZX | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | 260 ZX | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2565 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
