1955 Austin A 90 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 90. (85 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 13 kg more than 1955 Austin A 90. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Austin A 90 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 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 90. (168 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 90 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 90 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2537 mm |
