1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 556 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 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
