1959 Rover P4 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 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,323 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (67 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 132 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1959 Rover P4 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 Rover P4. 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 (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P4. (169 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Rover P4 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | P4 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2286 cc | 2323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1472 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 55 L |
