1960 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 49 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 1,966 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 692 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 1966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2580 mm |
