2003 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria (221 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 957 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Crown Victoria 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 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Ford Crown Victoria | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Crown Victoria | Beetle |
Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 221 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 361 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1777 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |