1957 Fiat 500 vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1968 Volkswagen 1302 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Volkswagen 1302 (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Volkswagen 1302 should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volkswagen 1302 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1957 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. Let's talk about torque, 1968 Volkswagen 1302 (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1968 Volkswagen 1302 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 500 | 1968 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
