1959 Renault Dauphine vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1959 Renault Dauphine. (33 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Renault Dauphine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 706 kg more than 1959 Renault Dauphine. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Renault Dauphine 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 Renault Dauphine. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (126 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Renault Dauphine. (45 Nm). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Renault Dauphine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Renault Dauphine | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Dauphine | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 632 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
