1942 Fiat 500 vs. 1965 Volkswagen 1500
To start off, 1965 Volkswagen 1500 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Volkswagen 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Volkswagen 1500 (52 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1942 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Volkswagen 1500 should accelerate faster than 1942 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volkswagen 1500 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1942 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 Fiat 500 | 1965 Volkswagen 1500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | 1500 |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 567 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
