1982 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Mustang (225 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 824 kg more than 1982 Ford Mustang.
Because 1982 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 1982 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1982 Ford Mustang (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Mustang | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2510 mm |
