1976 Seat 131 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1976 Seat 131 is newer by 20 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Seat 131 (53 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Seat 131 should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Seat 131 weights approximately 225 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, 1976 Seat 131 (94 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Seat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Seat 131 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Seat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 38 HP |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
