1957 Berkeley Sports vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Berkeley Sports. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Berkeley Sports would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1957 Berkeley Sports. (15 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 Berkeley Sports. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 998 kg more than 1957 Berkeley Sports. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Berkeley Sports. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Berkeley Sports.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Berkeley Sports | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Berkeley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sports | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 322 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 15 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 105 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 282 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1780 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 L | 55 L |
