1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2006 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2006 Opel Vectra is newer by 51 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 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Vectra (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Vectra weights approximately 886 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, 2006 Opel Vectra, 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, 2006 Opel Vectra (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 2006 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Opel |
| Model | Beetle | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
