1980 Ford Taunus vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (114 HP) has 57 more horse power than 1980 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 211 kg more than 1980 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Taunus 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 1980 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Taunus. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Taunus. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Taunus | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 114 HP |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
