1980 TVR Tasmin vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 TVR Tasmin. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 TVR Tasmin would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 TVR Tasmin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 TVR Tasmin (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 TVR Tasmin should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 319 kg more than 1980 TVR Tasmin.
Because 1980 TVR Tasmin 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 TVR Tasmin. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 TVR Tasmin. (220 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 TVR Tasmin.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 TVR Tasmin | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | TVR | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tasmin | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
