1997 McLaren F1 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 McLaren F1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 McLaren F1 would be higher. At 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 468 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 61 kg more than 1997 McLaren F1.
Because 1997 McLaren F1 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 1997 McLaren F1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New 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, 1997 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 418 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 McLaren F1 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | McLaren | Volkswagen |
| Model | F1 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 6063 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 649 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
