2003 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1974 Volvo 164
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 164 (142 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 40 kg more than 1974 Volvo 164.
Because 1974 Volvo 164 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 1974 Volvo 164. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1974 Volvo 164 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1974 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | New Beetle | 164 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
