1958 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 51 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1840 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 2009 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 2009 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 80 L |
