1954 Ford Popular vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1954 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1572 kg more than 1954 Ford Popular. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Ford Popular 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 Ford Popular. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
1954 Ford Popular | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Popular | Beetle |
Year Released | 1954 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 26 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 63 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 2307 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2510 mm |