2001 Opel Vectra vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2001 Opel Vectra is newer by 46 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Vectra (142 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Vectra weights approximately 575 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, 2001 Opel Vectra, 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, 2001 Opel Vectra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Opel Vectra | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vectra | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
