1956 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2012 Peugeot 408
To start off, 2012 Peugeot 408 is newer by 56 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Peugeot 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Peugeot 408 (110 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Peugeot 408 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2012 Peugeot 408, 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, 2012 Peugeot 408 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Peugeot 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | 2012 Peugeot 408 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Peugeot |
| Model | Beetle | 408 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1815 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1525 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
