1987 Ford RS 200 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford RS 200 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Ford RS 200 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 1987 Ford RS 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1987 Ford RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1987 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford RS 200 | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | RS 200 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.7 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1232 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 55 L |
