1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (549 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 381 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (168 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage weights approximately 722 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 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 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage (745 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | V8 Vantage | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 549 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 745 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1992 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 113 L | 55 L |
