1959 Lancia Appia vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lancia Appia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lancia Appia would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP) has 67 more horse power than 1959 Lancia Appia. (47 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 330 kg more than 1959 Lancia Appia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Lancia Appia 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 Lancia Appia. 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 (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lancia Appia. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lancia Appia. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1959 Lancia Appia has manual transmission. 1959 Lancia Appia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lancia Appia | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Appia | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 114 HP |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
