1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1964 Fiat 500 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 194 kg more than 1964 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1956 Volkswagen Beetle (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1956 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 42 L |
