1955 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 356 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.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Beetle is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Volkswagen Beetle | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
Model | Beetle | 500 |
Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 1192 cc | 1368 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 38 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 89 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1096 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3546 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1628 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1519 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2301 mm |