1953 Studebaker Commander vs. 1971 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1971 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Studebaker Commander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Studebaker Commander would be higher. At 3,809 cc (8 cylinders), 1953 Studebaker Commander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1953 Studebaker Commander (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1953 Studebaker Commander should accelerate faster than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Studebaker Commander weights approximately 642 kg more than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1953 Studebaker Commander 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 Studebaker Commander. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1953 Studebaker Commander (258 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1953 Studebaker Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Volkswagen K 70. 1953 Studebaker Commander has automatic transmission and 1971 Volkswagen K 70 has manual transmission. 1971 Volkswagen K 70 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Studebaker Commander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Studebaker Commander | 1971 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Studebaker | Volkswagen |
| Model | Commander | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3809 cc | 1604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2700 mm |
