1981 Toyota Corona vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Corona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Corona (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 275 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona.
Because 1981 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Toyota Corona (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Corona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Corona | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corona | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
