1988 Ford Fiesta vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (44 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fiesta.
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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Fiesta. (68 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2520 mm |
