1986 Porsche 911 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1986 Porsche 911 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Porsche 911 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Porsche 911 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Porsche 911 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 1986 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1986 Porsche 911 (286 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Porsche 911 | 1976 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | 911 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 3164 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
