2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1989 Volvo 740
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 740. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 740 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 740 (116 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 740 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Volvo 740 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 1989 Volvo 740. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1989 Volvo 740 (194 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 740 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 740 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | 1989 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Beetle | 740 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2780 mm |
