1961 Fiat 600 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 600. (23 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 600.
Because 1961 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 1961 Fiat 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Beetle (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 600. (45 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 600 | 2010 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
