1955 Austin A 55 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 55 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 55 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 304 kg more than 1955 Austin A 55. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Austin A 55 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 Austin A 55. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 55. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 55. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1955 Austin A 55 has manual transmission. 1955 Austin A 55 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 55 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 55 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2537 mm |
