1990 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 34 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 1210 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.
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, 1990 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Chevrolet Caprice | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Caprice | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5440 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 42 L |
