1968 Austin 3-Litre vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Austin 3-Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Austin 3-Litre would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Austin 3-Litre is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. (124 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Austin 3-Litre weights approximately 110 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1968 Austin 3-Litre 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 1968 Austin 3-Litre. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Austin 3-Litre. (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Austin 3-Litre.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Austin 3-Litre | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3-Litre | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
