1960 Fiat 600 vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 600. (23 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 375 kg more than 1960 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Fiat 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 600. (45 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 600 | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
