1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 691 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Fiat 500 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 1962 Fiat 500. 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 (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Fiat 500 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1962 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 171 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1231 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |