1951 Austin A 90 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1951 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 90 weights approximately 57 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1951 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 1951 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 @ 4250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 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 1951 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Austin A 90 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A 90 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1951 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1333 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2537 mm |