1991 Ford Mustang vs. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle (180 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1991 Ford Mustang. (106 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 53 kg more than 1991 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Ford Mustang 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 1991 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Ford Mustang. (183 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Ford Mustang | 2001 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mustang | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
