1961 Fiat 2300 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 2300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 2300 would be higher. At 2,277 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Fiat 2300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Fiat 2300 (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Fiat 2300 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Fiat 2300 weights approximately 36 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 2300 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 2300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 2300. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 2300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 2300 | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2300 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2277 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
