1958 Fiat 500 vs. 1986 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,271 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Jetta (53 HP) has 39 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 405 kg more than 1958 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1986 Volkswagen Jetta (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 1986 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
