1987 Austin Maestro vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1987 Austin Maestro is newer by 31 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 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Austin Maestro weights approximately 175 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, 1987 Austin Maestro, 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, 1987 Austin Maestro (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Austin Maestro | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Maestro | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 42 L |
