2005 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1970 Volkswagen 411
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 411. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 411 would be higher. At 1,679 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 411 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen 411 (80 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen 411 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 64 kg more than 1970 Volkswagen 411.
Because 1970 Volkswagen 411 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 1970 Volkswagen 411. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New 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, 1970 Volkswagen 411 (131 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 411 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1970 Volkswagen 411 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | New Beetle | 411 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 1679 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1159 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
