1991 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1991 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 36 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 2,472 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Chevrolet Lumina (108 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 640 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, 1991 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1991 Chevrolet Lumina (183 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Chevrolet Lumina | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2472 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
