1959 Fiat 600 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 600. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 70 kg more than 1959 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen 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, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 600. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Fiat 600 | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 600 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 633 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 20 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 40 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |