1963 Fiat 1500 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 1500. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Fiat 1500 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1963 Fiat 1500 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 1963 Fiat 1500. 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 (150 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 1500. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 1500 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1500 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
