1986 Ferrari 208 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1986 Ferrari 208 is newer by 31 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 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 392 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, 1986 Ferrari 208 (329 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ferrari 208 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ferrari | Volkswagen |
| Model | 208 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 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 | 1132 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
