1960 Fiat 1100 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 1100. (43 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 360 kg more than 1960 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 1100. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1960 Fiat 1100 has manual transmission. 1960 Fiat 1100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 1100 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1100 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1087 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
