1981 Plymouth Horizon vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 354 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Plymouth Horizon | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1715 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
