1981 GMC Jimmy vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 GMC Jimmy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 GMC Jimmy would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 GMC Jimmy (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 586 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Jimmy (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1981 GMC Jimmy has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 GMC Jimmy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 GMC Jimmy | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jimmy | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2470 mm |
