1963 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 270 kg more than 1963 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
