2003 Opel Speedster vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2003 Opel Speedster 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Speedster weights approximately 265 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.
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 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Speedster | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Speedster | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
