1981 Toyota Soarer vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 28 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 Soarer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 1981 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Soarer | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Soarer | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2759 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2537 mm |
