1969 Dodge Challenger vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1969 Dodge Challenger is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 5,208 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Dodge Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Dodge Challenger (156 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Dodge Challenger should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Dodge Challenger weights approximately 755 kg more than 1954 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, 1969 Dodge Challenger (352 Nm) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1969 Dodge Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Dodge Challenger | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Challenger | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5208 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
