2011 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1974 AC 428
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 AC 428 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 AC 428 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 AC 428. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1974 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | 1974 AC 428 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | AC |
| Model | Beetle | 428 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2450 mm |
