2012 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1979 Ford Capri
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1979 Ford Capri. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 290 kg more than 1979 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Capri 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 1979 Ford Capri. 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 (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | 1979 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Beetle | Capri |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automated manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4278 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1808 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1486 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2537 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
