1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 47 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 1822 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 2009 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
