1988 Toyota Camry vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1988 Toyota Camry is newer by 33 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 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Camry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Camry (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Camry should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota Camry weights approximately 440 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, 1988 Toyota Camry, 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, 1988 Toyota Camry (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Camry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Toyota Camry | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Camry | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1770 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
