1986 Nissan Pulsar vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan Pulsar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan Pulsar would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Pulsar. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Pulsar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 453 kg more than 1986 Nissan Pulsar. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Pulsar. (97 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Pulsar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Nissan Pulsar | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pulsar | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1270 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2537 mm |
