1949 MG TD vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 MG TD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 MG TD would be higher. At 1,250 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 MG TD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 MG TD (53 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1949 MG TD should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 MG TD weights approximately 136 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 MG TD. (87 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1956 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 MG TD.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 MG TD | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | MG | Volkswagen |
| Model | TD | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1250 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2410 mm |
