1959 Ford Consul vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1959 Ford Consul. (47 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 190 kg more than 1959 Ford Consul. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Consul 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 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Consul. (124 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Consul.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Consul | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Consul | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1702 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1089 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
