2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1963 Rover P5
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Rover P5 (119 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Rover P5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1963 Rover P5 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 1963 Rover P5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1963 Rover P5 (218 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1963 Rover P5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 1963 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | 1963 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Rover |
| Model | Beetle | P5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
