1961 Fiat 2300 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 2300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 2300 would be higher. At 2,278 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Fiat 2300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Fiat 2300 (115 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (113 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Fiat 2300 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Fiat 2300 weights approximately 4 kg more than 1999 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, 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, 1961 Fiat 2300 (188 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 Fiat 2300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 2300 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2300 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2278 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
