1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 42 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 2,323 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (167 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 499 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.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1239 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
