1985 Abarth Lancia 037 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Abarth Lancia 037. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 (346 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 270 kg more than 1985 Abarth Lancia 037.
Because 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 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 1985 Abarth Lancia 037. 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, 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 (300 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 has manual transmission. 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Abarth Lancia 037 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lancia 037 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 346 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
