1959 Austin A 135 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin A 135. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin A 135 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin A 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Austin A 135 (150 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Austin A 135 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Austin A 135 weights approximately 820 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Austin A 135 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 Austin A 135. 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, 1959 Austin A 135 (308 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1959 Austin A 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin A 135 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 135 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 308 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2080 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
