1956 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2002 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 46 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan (150 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 930 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.
Because 1956 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2002 Volkswagen Sharan (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | 2002 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beetle | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 70 L |
