1985 Ferrari 208 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 208 (217 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 75 kg more than 1985 Ferrari 208.
Because 1985 Ferrari 208 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 Ferrari 208. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, both vehicles can yield 240 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1985 Ferrari 208 has manual transmission. 1985 Ferrari 208 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ferrari 208 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 208 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
