1979 Renault 5 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 5 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1979 Renault 5. (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 363 kg more than 1979 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 5. (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Renault 5 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 5 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
