1951 Austin A 70 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 70 would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 70. (66 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 70 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1951 Austin A 70 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 1951 Austin A 70. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 70. (157 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 70 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 70 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
