1958 Fiat 1400 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 2,475 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 1400. (53 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 1400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Fiat 1400 weights approximately 3 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1958 Fiat 1400 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 1958 Fiat 1400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (232 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 1400. (88 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 1400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 1400 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1400 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 2475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
