1984 Lotus Etna vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Etna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Etna would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Etna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Etna (331 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Etna should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1984 Lotus Etna 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 Lotus Etna. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 1984 Lotus Etna (408 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Etna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Etna | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Etna | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3946 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 331 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 290 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
