1961 Lancia Flavia vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Lancia Flavia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Lancia Flavia would be higher. At 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Lancia Flavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Lancia Flavia (76 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Lancia Flavia should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 54 kg more than 1961 Lancia Flavia.
Because 1961 Lancia Flavia 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 Lancia Flavia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Lancia Flavia. (115 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Lancia Flavia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Lancia Flavia | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Flavia | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
