Moskvich-408 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 · 1964–1975

Moskvich-408

Version

Power: 37 kW50 PS
Top speed: 130 km/h

Version spec sheet

Photo: Angela Monika Arnold, Berlin / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Volkswagen · 1938–2003

Beetle I

Version (3 versions)

Power: 18 kW24 PS
Top speed: -

Photo: dave_7 / Flickr, CC BY 2.0

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In plain words

Moskvich-408 has more power: 37 kW (50 PS) against 18 kW (24 PS) for Volkswagen Beetle I. Volkswagen Beetle I is the older design (from 1938); Moskvich-408 arrived in 1964.

Full specifications

General
	Moskvich-408	Volkswagen Beetle I
Version	1.4 · petrol · 37 kW (50 PS)	petrol · 18 kW (24 PS)
Production years	1964–1975	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.	37 kW (50 PS) 50 hp Better	18 kW (24 PS) 24 hp
Power, all versions	37–40 kW (50–54 PS) 50–54 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.	92 Nm 68 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.	130 km/h 81 mph	No data
Engine and transmission
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Engine	1,358 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	4,090 mm 161.0 in	No data
Width	1,550 mm 61.0 in	No data
Height	1,480 mm 58.3 in	No data
Wheelbase	2,400 mm 94.5 in	No data
Boot Why it matters: A bigger boot fits more luggage, shopping or a pram.	372 l 13.1 cu ft	No data
Fuel tank Why it matters: A larger tank means more distance between fuel stops.	46 l 12.2 gal US	No data

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