1955 Triumph TR3 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 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1955 Triumph TR3. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1955 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 408 kg more than 1955 Triumph TR3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Triumph TR3 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 Triumph TR3. 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 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Triumph TR3. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Triumph TR3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Triumph TR3 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Triumph | Volkswagen |
| Model | TR3 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 55 L |
