1959 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Morgan Plus 4 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Morgan Plus 4 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Morgan Plus 4 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 Morgan Plus 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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 Morgan Plus 4 (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Morgan Plus 4 | 1975 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Morgan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Plus 4 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
