1954 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2002 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen W12 (600 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 562 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 511 kg more than 1954 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, 2002 Volkswagen W12 (335 Nm) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 2002 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | 2002 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | W12 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | W |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 600 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1251 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3010 mm |
