1984 Plymouth Horizon vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1984 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1984 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 226 kg more than 1984 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Plymouth Horizon. (117 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Plymouth Horizon | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2520 mm |
