Moskvich-403 vs Volkswagen Beetle I: specs side by side

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Quick comparison from catalog data - no editorial review of this pair yet.

Moskvich · 1962–1965

Moskvich-403

D PI 353

Version (2 versions)

Power: 33 kW45 PS
Top speed: 115 km/h
Kerb mass: 900 kg

Version spec sheet

Photo: MKFI / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Volkswagen · 1938–2003

Beetle I

Version (3 versions)

Power: 18 kW24 PS
Top speed: -
Kerb mass: -

Photo: dave_7 / Flickr, CC BY 2.0

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In plain words

Moskvich-403 has more power: 33 kW (45 PS) against 18 kW (24 PS) for Volkswagen Beetle I. Volkswagen Beetle I is the older design (from 1938); Moskvich-403 arrived in 1962. Our catalog has no kerb mass for the Volkswagen Beetle I yet, so some checks above leave it out.

Full specifications

General
	Moskvich-403	Volkswagen Beetle I
Version	1.4 · petrol · 33 kW (45 PS)	petrol · 18 kW (24 PS)
Production years	1962–1965	1938–2003
Body	Sedan	Sedan, Convertible
Country	Soviet Union (USSR)	Germany
Performance
Power Why it matters: More power means stronger acceleration and easier overtaking, especially with a full load.	33 kW (45 PS) 44 hp Better	18 kW (24 PS) 24 hp
Power, all versions	33–37 kW (45–50 PS) 44–50 hp	9–37 kW (12–50 PS) 12–50 hp
Torque Why it matters: Torque is the pulling force you feel when accelerating from low revs, towing or climbing hills.	88 Nm 65 lb-ft	No data
Top speed Why it matters: Top speed hints at how relaxed the car is at motorway speeds, even if you never reach it.	115 km/h 71 mph	No data
Power per tonne	37 kW/t 45 hp/ton calculated	No data
Engine and transmission
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Engine	1,360 cc · 4 cyl 1.4 l	4 cyl
Gearbox	4-speed manual	No data
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Dimensions and weight
Length	4,040 mm 159.1 in	No data
Width	1,540 mm 60.6 in	No data
Height	1,600 mm 63.0 in	No data
Wheelbase	2,380 mm 93.7 in	No data
Kerb weight Why it matters: A lighter car is usually more agile and uses less energy.	900 kg 1,984 lb	No data
Fuel tank Why it matters: A larger tank means more distance between fuel stops.	35 l 9.2 gal US	No data

Better marks the stronger figure - only for measurable specs (power, torque, 0–100 km/h, consumption, boot, weight).