1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1981 ZIL 4104
To start off, 1981 ZIL 4104 is newer by 26 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 7,691 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 ZIL 4104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 ZIL 4104 (310 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 ZIL 4104 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 ZIL 4104 weights approximately 2595 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, 1981 ZIL 4104 (608 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 519 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 ZIL 4104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 1981 ZIL 4104 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | ZIL |
| Model | Beetle | 4104 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 7691 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 608 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 3335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3340 mm |
