2004 Honda Civic vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 49 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Civic (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Civic weights approximately 417 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, 2004 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, 2004 Honda Civic (144 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 2004 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1157 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 |
