1954 Fiat 1100 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1955 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Fiat 1100 (49 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Fiat 1100 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Fiat 1100 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1955 Volkswagen Beetle (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1955 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Fiat 1100 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1100 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
