2007 Ford GT 500 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2007 Ford GT 500 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Ford GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford GT 500 (493 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 378 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford GT 500 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Ford GT 500 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 2007 Ford GT 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2007 Ford GT 500 (678 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 513 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Ford GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Ford GT 500 | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | GT 500 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5409 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
