1998 Ford Focus vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 424 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1998 Ford Focus (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
