2012 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1964 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1964 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1964 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 89 kg more than 1964 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Ford Zodiac 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 1964 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Ford Zodiac. (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | 1964 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Beetle | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1400 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4278 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1808 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1486 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2537 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
