2012 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1971 Holden Belmont
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Holden Belmont. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Holden Belmont would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Holden Belmont is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Holden Belmont (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Holden Belmont should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Holden Belmont weights approximately 47 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Holden Belmont 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 1971 Holden Belmont. 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, 1971 Holden Belmont (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Holden Belmont will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | 1971 Holden Belmont | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Holden |
| Model | Beetle | Belmont |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 5042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1333 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4278 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1808 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1486 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2537 mm | 2830 mm |
