2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 47 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 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Roadster weights approximately 320 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 42 L |
