1985 Citroen BX vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1985 Citroen BX is newer by 29 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 1,359 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Citroen BX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Citroen BX (62 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Citroen BX should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Citroen BX weights approximately 150 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.
Because 1956 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 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Citroen BX, 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, 1985 Citroen BX (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Citroen BX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Citroen BX | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | BX | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1359 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 42 L |
