1950 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1950 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1950 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 2,088 cc (4 cylinders), 1950 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle (180 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1950 Morgan Plus 4. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1950 Morgan Plus 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 551 kg more than 1950 Morgan Plus 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1950 Morgan Plus 4 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 1950 Morgan Plus 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1950 Morgan Plus 4. (152 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1950 Morgan Plus 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1950 Morgan Plus 4 | 2001 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Morgan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Plus 4 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1950 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2088 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2520 mm |
