1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (58 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 536 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 862 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
