1948 Citroen 2CV vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (9 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1948 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 548 kg more than 1948 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Citroen 2CV. (23 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Citroen 2CV. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1948 Citroen 2CV has manual transmission. 1948 Citroen 2CV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Citroen 2CV | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2CV | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 9 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 63 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 682 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 55 L |
