1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1990 Volvo 960
To start off, 1990 Volvo 960 is newer by 35 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 2,922 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volvo 960 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 960 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volvo 960 weights approximately 816 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, 1990 Volvo 960 (267 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 1990 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Beetle | 960 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1556 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
