1956 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1966 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1966 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1966 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1966 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | 1966 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 40 L |
