2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 53 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 3,827 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse (265 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 800 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, 2009 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, 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse (355 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eclipse | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3827 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 42 L |
