1959 Rover P5 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P5 weights approximately 251 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1959 Rover P5 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 P5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P5. (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Rover P5 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | P5 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 105 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
