1978 Talbot Horizon vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1978 Talbot Horizon is newer by 23 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 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Talbot Horizon (57 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Talbot Horizon should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Talbot Horizon weights approximately 205 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.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Beetle is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Talbot Horizon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Talbot Horizon (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1978 Talbot Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Talbot Horizon | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Talbot | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
