1956 Austin A 90 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,639 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Austin A 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 90. (85 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 987 kg more than 1956 Austin A 90. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Austin A 90 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 Austin A 90. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 90. (168 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 90 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 90 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
