2003 Honda Civic vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2003 Honda Civic is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Civic weights approximately 350 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Civic, 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 Honda Civic (135 Nm) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 2003 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Civic | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
