2001 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1983 Volvo 760
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volvo 760. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volvo 760 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 760 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volvo 760 (156 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volvo 760 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 760 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Volvo 760 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 1983 Volvo 760. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Volvo 760. (234 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Volvo 760.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1983 Volvo 760 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | New Beetle | 760 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2780 mm |
