1951 Austin A vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1951 Austin A. (29 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 629 kg more than 1951 Austin A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 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. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
1951 Austin A | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
Model | A | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1951 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 803 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 29 HP | 99 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 54 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 19.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Top Speed | 95 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 685 kg | 1314 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |