1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1978 Ferrari 308 is newer by 24 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 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 540 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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (265 Nm) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 308 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
