1955 Lancia Aurelia vs. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Lancia Aurelia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Lancia Aurelia would be higher. At 2,451 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Lancia Aurelia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Lancia Aurelia (119 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Lancia Aurelia should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 140 kg more than 1955 Lancia Aurelia.
Because 1955 Lancia Aurelia 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 Lancia Aurelia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1955 Lancia Aurelia (186 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1955 Lancia Aurelia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Lancia Aurelia | 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aurelia | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1274 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2340 mm |
