1961 Morris Minor vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Morris Minor would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1961 Morris Minor. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 515 kg more than 1961 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Morris Minor 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 Morris Minor. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Morris Minor. (66 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Morris Minor | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Morris | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minor | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 947 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
