1985 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1335 kg more than 1985 Renault 5.
Because 1985 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. 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 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Renault 5 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | 5 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1397 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.6 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
