1987 Citroen AX vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1987 Citroen AX 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 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Citroen AX (48 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Citroen AX should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 32 kg more than 1987 Citroen AX.
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 Citroen AX, 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, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen AX. (74 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1956 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen AX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen AX | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | AX | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 954 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 42 L |
