1985 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1985 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 107 kg more than 1985 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1985 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Mustang | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
