1954 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Aston Martin DB2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Aston Martin DB2 would be higher. At 2,921 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Aston Martin DB2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Aston Martin DB2 (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Aston Martin DB2 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Aston Martin DB2 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1956 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, 1954 Aston Martin DB2 (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1954 Aston Martin DB2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Aston Martin DB2 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | DB2 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2921 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
