1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 40 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1956 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 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1996 Volkswagen Golf (165 Nm) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm). This means 1996 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.7 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2410 mm |
