1952 Triumph Mayflower vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Triumph Mayflower. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Triumph Mayflower would be higher. At 1,422 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1952 Triumph Mayflower. (37 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1952 Triumph Mayflower. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 294 kg more than 1952 Triumph Mayflower. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 Triumph Mayflower 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 Triumph Mayflower. 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 (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Triumph Mayflower. (79 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Triumph Mayflower.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Triumph Mayflower | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mayflower | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1952 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1247 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 37 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
