1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (238 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1591 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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 Phaeton (315 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton has automatic transmission and 1962 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1962 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 2076 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 90 L |
