1979 Plymouth Trail Duster vs. 1977 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 795 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Plymouth Trail Duster | 1977 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Trail Duster | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1977 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
