1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 46 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), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 784 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1324 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |
