1982 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 30 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 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1982 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 195 kg more than 1982 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Mustang. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1982 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1982 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1982 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Beetle |
Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2537 mm |