1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1970 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,605 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen K 70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 (75 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 316 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, 1970 Volkswagen K 70 (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen K 70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 1970 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
