1987 Toyota Corolla vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1987 Toyota Corolla is newer by 32 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Toyota Corolla (74 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 175 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, 1987 Toyota Corolla, 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 Toyota Corolla (103 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Toyota Corolla | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
