1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1959 Fiat 1500 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,481 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1500 (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1500 should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1959 Fiat 1500 (109 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1959 Fiat 1500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1500 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
