1959 NSU Prinz I vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 NSU Prinz I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 NSU Prinz I would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1959 NSU Prinz I. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 NSU Prinz I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 715 kg more than 1959 NSU Prinz I. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 NSU Prinz I 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 NSU Prinz I. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 NSU Prinz I. (41 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 NSU Prinz I.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 NSU Prinz I | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | NSU | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prinz I | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 41 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 109 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3150 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 55 L |
