1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 48 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster 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, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (241 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1500 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 99 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4100 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 |
