1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 338 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 1300 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 1961 Fiat 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1961 Fiat 1300 has manual transmission. 1961 Fiat 1300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1300 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
