1952 Austin A 90 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1952 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 90 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1952 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 1952 Austin A 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 90 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 90 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1380 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 |
