1956 Lancia Aurelia vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Lancia Aurelia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Lancia Aurelia would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1956 Lancia Aurelia. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1956 Lancia Aurelia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 273 kg more than 1956 Lancia Aurelia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Lancia Aurelia 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 Lancia Aurelia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Lancia Aurelia. (186 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Lancia Aurelia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Lancia Aurelia | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aurelia | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2537 mm |
