2006 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1965 Volvo 122
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volvo 122. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volvo 122 would be higher. At 1,782 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Volvo 122 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1965 Volvo 122. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1965 Volvo 122. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 172 kg more than 1965 Volvo 122. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Volvo 122 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 1965 Volvo 122. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volvo 122. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volvo 122.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1965 Volvo 122 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | New Beetle | 122 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1264 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2610 mm |
