1981 Ford Capri vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Capri (158 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 90 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri.
Because 1981 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Ford Capri (221 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Capri | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
