1960 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,043 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Polo (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 215 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fiat 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1988 Volkswagen Polo (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 1988 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2340 mm |
