1957 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 46 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 822 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.
Because 1957 Fiat 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1957 Fiat 500 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1957 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 479 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 14 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 24 Nm | 155 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1292 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |