1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 43 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Mustang (332 Nm) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (171 Nm). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 171 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1398 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |