What is the difference between disc and drum brakes? If I am only driving the car on backroads, etc is it worth putting disc on the front or save my money for gas for longer trips?
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What is the difference between disc and drum brakes? If I am only driving the car on backroads, etc is it worth putting disc on the front or save my money for gas for longer trips?
Like everything else in life, "it depends".
If you have a stock (1,600) or 1,776cc engine, don't drive fast and give yourself plenty of room to slow and stop, then drum brakes all around might be fine. Hell, that's all they offered on VW beetles from the early 1950's until 1974 or so, and everyone seemed to get by OK.
However! Drum brakes will fade with a lot of use and really don't stop as well as disk brakes, especially on the front - they simply take more effort for the same stopping power - disks are always adjusted correctly so they don't pull to one side or the other, and they're a bit cheaper to service.
And remember........When VW upgraded to the 1,600 engine from the 1500 (40 hp) engine, they also upgraded the brakes to front disks for a good reason - the bigger engines were simply too much for the wimpy drum brakes to handle.
So, yes......you should probably think of upgrading to front disks, for safety, if for no other reason.
If you have a stock (1,600) or 1,776cc engine, don't drive fast and give yourself plenty of room to slow and stop, then drum brakes all around might be fine. Hell, that's all they offered on VW beetles from the early 1950's until 1974 or so, and everyone seemed to get by OK.
However! Drum brakes will fade with a lot of use and really don't stop as well as disk brakes, especially on the front - they simply take more effort for the same stopping power - disks are always adjusted correctly so they don't pull to one side or the other, and they're a bit cheaper to service.
And remember........When VW upgraded to the 1,600 engine from the 1500 (40 hp) engine, they also upgraded the brakes to front disks for a good reason - the bigger engines were simply too much for the wimpy drum brakes to handle.
So, yes......you should probably think of upgrading to front disks, for safety, if for no other reason.
I would definitely go with Disc brakes, I had an 65 type 3 that came with drums and converted the front end to disc brake, was a huge difference in stopping power even with a slightly modified engine. CIP sells a kit starting at around $300 complete.
It's not speed that kills, it's the rate at which it decreases.
I'd recommend good brakes. In an emergency situation, you'll stop one way or another. I'd prefer it was with my brakes.
I'd recommend good brakes. In an emergency situation, you'll stop one way or another. I'd prefer it was with my brakes.
Try driving a 65 bug with just the handbrake! To broke in highschool to afford brakes...