1955 Lancia Aurelia 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 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1955 Lancia Aurelia. (116 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1955 Lancia Aurelia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 190 kg more than 1955 Lancia Aurelia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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 (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Lancia Aurelia. (185 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Lancia Aurelia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Lancia Aurelia | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aurelia | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2510 mm |
