1961 MG Midget vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 MG Midget. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 MG Midget would be higher. At 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1961 MG Midget. (46 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 MG Midget. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 624 kg more than 1961 MG Midget. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 MG Midget 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 MG Midget. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 MG Midget. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 MG Midget. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1961 MG Midget has manual transmission. 1961 MG Midget will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 MG Midget | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | MG | Volkswagen |
| Model | Midget | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 46 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 142 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 18.3 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1372 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1232 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2032 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
