1980 Plymouth Horizon vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 24 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 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 331 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2860 mm |
