2003 Citroen C5 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2003 Citroen C5 is newer by 48 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 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Citroen C5 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Citroen C5 weights approximately 550 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, 2003 Citroen C5, 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, 2003 Citroen C5 (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Citroen C5 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | C5 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
