1948 Austin A 90 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 64 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin A 90 weights approximately 1 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1948 Austin A 90 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 1948 Austin A 90. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 90. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1948 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1948 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1948 Austin A 90 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 90 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1948 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1359 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |