1986 Toyota Corolla vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Toyota Corolla (123 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 240 kg more than 1986 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1986 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Corolla. (142 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Toyota Corolla | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
