1959 Aston Martin DB2 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Aston Martin DB2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Aston Martin DB2 would be higher. At 2,920 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Aston Martin DB2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Aston Martin DB2 (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Aston Martin DB2 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Aston Martin DB2 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Aston Martin DB2 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 1959 Aston Martin DB2. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1959 Aston Martin DB2 (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Aston Martin DB2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Aston Martin DB2 | 1976 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | DB2 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2920 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
