1957 Fiat 1200 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,899 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 310 kg more than 1957 Fiat 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Fiat 1200 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 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 1200 | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1219 cc | 1899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |
