1959 Fiat 1100 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1100. (43 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 108 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1100 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 1959 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1100 | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1100 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |
