2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 51 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 1,967 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 720 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1967 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
