1974 Ford Capri vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1974 Ford Capri is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Capri (106 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Capri weights approximately 380 kg more than 1956 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, 1974 Ford Capri (174 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
