1981 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Crown Victoria.
Because 1981 Ford Crown Victoria 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 Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen 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 Crown Victoria (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 1981 Ford Crown Victoria has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Crown Victoria will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Crown Victoria | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2510 mm |
