2003 Nissan Pickup vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2003 Nissan Pickup is newer by 23 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Pickup is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Pickup (132 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Pickup should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Pickup weights approximately 945 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.
Because 2003 Nissan Pickup is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Pickup will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Pickup (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Pickup will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Pickup | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pickup | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2410 mm |
