1956 Ford Consul 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 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1956 Ford Consul. (51 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 144 kg more than 1956 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Consul 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 Ford Consul. 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Consul. (127 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Consul. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1956 Ford Consul has manual transmission. 1956 Ford Consul will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Consul | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Consul | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
