1955 MG MGA vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, both 1955 MG MGA and 1955 Volkswagen Beetle were released in the same year (1955). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 MG MGA (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 MG MGA weights approximately 160 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 MG MGA (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1955 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 MG MGA | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | MG | Volkswagen |
| Model | MGA | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2410 mm |
