2009 Audi R8 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Audi R8 is newer by 31 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 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi R8 (518 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 475 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi R8 weights approximately 760 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 2009 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi R8 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, 2009 Audi R8 (530 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 444 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Audi R8 | 1978 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Audi | Volkswagen |
Model | R8 | Beetle |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 5204 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 518 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 530 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | AWD | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |