1953 Riley Pathfinder vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 59 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Riley Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Riley Pathfinder would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Riley Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1953 Riley Pathfinder. (109 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1953 Riley Pathfinder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Riley Pathfinder weights approximately 155 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1953 Riley Pathfinder 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 1953 Riley Pathfinder. 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 (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Riley Pathfinder. (182 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Riley Pathfinder. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1953 Riley Pathfinder has manual transmission. 1953 Riley Pathfinder will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Riley Pathfinder | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Riley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pathfinder | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
