1981 Citroen LN vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Citroen LN. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Citroen LN would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 Citroen LN. (35 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen LN. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1597 kg more than 1981 Citroen LN. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen LN. (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen LN.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Citroen LN | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | LN | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
