1973 Ferrari 308 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1973 Ferrari 308 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1955 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, 1973 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ferrari 308 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 308 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
