1980 Plymouth Horizon 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 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 400 kg more than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Plymouth Horizon | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
