1958 Lancia Aurelia vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lancia Aurelia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lancia Aurelia would be higher. At 2,456 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Lancia Aurelia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Lancia Aurelia (110 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Lancia Aurelia should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 200 kg more than 1958 Lancia Aurelia.
Because 1958 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 1958 Lancia Aurelia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New 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, 1958 Lancia Aurelia (186 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1958 Lancia Aurelia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lancia Aurelia | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aurelia | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2456 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
