1954 Lancia Aurelia vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Lancia Aurelia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Lancia Aurelia would be higher. At 2,451 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Lancia Aurelia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1954 Lancia Aurelia. (119 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1954 Lancia Aurelia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 220 kg more than 1954 Lancia Aurelia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 Lancia Aurelia 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 Lancia Aurelia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Lancia Aurelia. (186 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Lancia Aurelia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Lancia Aurelia | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aurelia | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2510 mm |
