1981 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 31 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 271 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2012 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Crown Victoria | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Crown Victoria | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2537 mm |
