1961 Cadillac 62 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1961 Cadillac 62 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 6,388 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Cadillac 62 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Cadillac 62 (197 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Cadillac 62 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Cadillac 62 weights approximately 1375 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Cadillac 62 (582 Nm) has 493 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1961 Cadillac 62 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Cadillac 62 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | 62 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6388 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 582 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.4 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2115 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2410 mm |
