1984 Ford Sierra vs. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1984 Ford Sierra. (75 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 145 kg more than 1984 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Ford Sierra 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 1984 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Sierra | 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
