Volkswagen Beetle I vs Moskvich-407: specs side by side

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

Volkswagen · 1938–2003

Beetle I

Version (3 versions)

Power: 37 kW50 PS
0–100 km/h: -
Top speed: -
Kerb mass: -

Photo: dave_7 / Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Moskvich · 1958–1963

Moskvich-407

D PI 344

Version

Power: 33 kW45 PS
0–100 km/h: 23.0 s
Top speed: 115 km/h
Kerb mass: 910 kg

Version spec sheet

Photo: FOTO:Fortepan — ID 1663: Adományozó/Donor: UVATERV. / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

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In plain words

Volkswagen Beetle I has more power: 37 kW (50 PS) against 33 kW (45 PS) for Moskvich-407. Volkswagen Beetle I is the older design (from 1938); Moskvich-407 arrived in 1958. Our catalog has no 0–100 km/h for the Volkswagen Beetle I yet, so some checks above leave it out.

Full specifications

General
	Volkswagen Beetle I	Moskvich-407
Version	1.6 · 37 kW (50 PS)	1.4 · petrol · 33 kW (45 PS)
Production years	1938–2003	1958–1963
Body	Sedan, Convertible	Sedan
Country	Germany	Soviet Union (USSR)
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	33 kW (45 PS) 44 hp
Power, all versions	9–37 kW (12–50 PS) 12–50 hp	33 kW (45 PS) 44 hp
Torque Why it matters: Torque is the pulling force you feel when accelerating from low revs, towing or climbing hills.	98 Nm 72 lb-ft Better	88 Nm 65 lb-ft
0–100 km/h Why it matters: A shorter 0–100 km/h time means quicker getaways and safer merging onto fast roads.	No data	23.0 s
Top speed Why it matters: Top speed hints at how relaxed the car is at motorway speeds, even if you never reach it.	No data	115 km/h 71 mph
Power per tonne	No data	36 kW/t 44 hp/ton calculated
Engine and transmission
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Engine	1,600 cc 1.6 l	1,360 cc · 4 cyl 1.4 l
Gearbox	No data	3-speed manual
Drive	Front-wheel drive	No data
Dimensions and weight
Length	No data	4,055 mm 159.6 in
Width	No data	1,540 mm 60.6 in
Height	No data	1,560 mm 61.4 in
Wheelbase	No data	2,370 mm 93.3 in
Kerb weight Why it matters: A lighter car is usually more agile and uses less energy.	No data	910 kg 2,006 lb
Economy and running costs
Fuel consumption Why it matters: Lower consumption cuts running costs and CO₂ emissions on every trip.	No data	6.5 l/100 km 36.2 mpg US
Fuel cost per year	No data	€1,710/year estimated

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

Estimated at 15,000 km a year with fuel at €1.75/l petrol.