1958 Lancia Aurelia vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 51 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 2,451 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Lancia Aurelia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1958 Lancia Aurelia. (119 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster 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, 2009 Volkswagen 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lancia Aurelia. (186 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lancia Aurelia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Lancia Aurelia | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aurelia | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2510 mm |
