1999 Honda NSX vs. 1961 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (24 HP @ 3300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda NSX weights approximately 610 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Honda NSX 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 1999 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1999 Honda NSX (310 Nm) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle. (77 Nm). This means 1999 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda NSX | 1961 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
