1990 Ford Orion vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Orion would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1990 Ford Orion. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 195 kg more than 1990 Ford Orion. 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Orion. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Orion | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Orion | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
