1954 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 2,920 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Aston Martin DB3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Aston Martin DB3 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 201 kg more than 1954 Aston Martin DB3.
Because 1954 Aston Martin DB3 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 1954 Aston Martin DB3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen New 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, 1954 Aston Martin DB3 (243 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1954 Aston Martin DB3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Aston Martin DB3 | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | DB3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 243 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 45 L |
