1955 Austin-Healey 100 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-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,658 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (132 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 482 kg more than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Austin-Healey 100 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-Healey 100. 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 (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin-Healey 100. (228 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin-Healey 100 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Volkswagen |
| Model | 100 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2658 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 109 L | 55 L |
