1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 419 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 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 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. 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 (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sapphire | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2290 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
