Volkswagen Beetle I vs Moskvich-403: 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
Top speed: -
Kerb mass: -

Photo: dave_7 / Flickr, CC BY 2.0

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

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In plain words

Volkswagen Beetle I has more power: 37 kW (50 PS) against 33 kW (45 PS) for Moskvich-403. 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
	Volkswagen Beetle I	Moskvich-403
Version	1.6 · 37 kW (50 PS)	1.4 · petrol · 33 kW (45 PS)
Production years	1938–2003	1962–1965
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	33–37 kW (45–50 PS) 44–50 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
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	37 kW/t 45 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	4-speed manual
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive
Dimensions and weight
Length	No data	4,040 mm 159.1 in
Width	No data	1,540 mm 60.6 in
Height	No data	1,600 mm 63.0 in
Wheelbase	No data	2,380 mm 93.7 in
Kerb weight Why it matters: A lighter car is usually more agile and uses less energy.	No data	900 kg 1,984 lb
Fuel tank Why it matters: A larger tank means more distance between fuel stops.	No data	35 l 9.2 gal US

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