1961 Aston Martin DB4 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Aston Martin DB4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Aston Martin DB4 would be higher. At 3,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Aston Martin DB4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Aston Martin DB4 (266 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. (180 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Aston Martin DB4 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Aston Martin DB4 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Aston Martin DB4 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 1961 Aston Martin DB4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1961 Aston Martin DB4 (346 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle. (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 1961 Aston Martin DB4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Aston Martin DB4 | 2001 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | DB4 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3670 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1353 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 55 L |
