1953 Austin A 90 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1955 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,658 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Austin A 90 (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Austin A 90 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Austin A 90 weights approximately 650 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1953 Austin A 90 (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1953 Austin A 90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 90 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 90 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
