1976 Chrysler Valiant vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1976 Chrysler Valiant is newer by 21 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 3,523 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler Valiant (139 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler Valiant should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler Valiant weights approximately 665 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, 1976 Chrysler Valiant (272 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Chrysler Valiant | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chrysler | Volkswagen |
| Model | Valiant | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3523 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
