2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 52 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 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1337 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1956 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 42 L |
