1945 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1945 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1945 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 (34 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1945 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen 1302 should accelerate faster than 1945 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen 1302 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1945 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:
| 1945 Fiat 500 | 1978 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1945 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
