2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 550 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.
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, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclipse | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2350 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 42 L |
