1957 Fiat 1100 vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1100. (49 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 464 kg more than 1957 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Fiat 1100 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 1957 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 1100 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1100 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
