1953 Rover P4 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1953 Rover P4. (93 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1953 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Rover P4 weights approximately 153 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1953 Rover P4 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 Rover P4. 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Rover P4. (187 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Rover P4 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | P4 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2638 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 105 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1486 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
