1989 Honda Accord vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 226 kg more than 1989 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1989 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1989 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Accord | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
