1980 Opel Commodore vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Opel Commodore (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 88 kg more than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Because 1980 Opel Commodore 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 Opel Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1980 Opel Commodore (179 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1980 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Opel Commodore | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commodore | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2490 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1312 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
