1979 Plymouth Volare vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 132 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1979 Plymouth Volare 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 Plymouth Volare. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Plymouth Volare. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Plymouth Volare.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Plymouth Volare | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Volare | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2537 mm |
