1987 Ford Sierra vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 265 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Ford Sierra 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 Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Sierra. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2537 mm |
