1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 690 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 1974 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2410 mm |
