1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1500 (80 HP) has 6 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 270 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 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 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1500 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |
