1956 Aston Martin DB3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Aston Martin DB3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Aston Martin DB3 would be higher. At 2,920 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Aston Martin DB3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 (210 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 485 kg more than 1956 Aston Martin DB3.
Because 1956 Aston Martin DB3 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 1956 Aston Martin DB3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1956 Aston Martin DB3 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1956 Aston Martin DB3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has automatic transmission and 1956 Aston Martin DB3 has manual transmission. 1956 Aston Martin DB3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Aston Martin DB3 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | DB3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1050 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
