1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (52 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 429 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, 1970 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1970 Volkswagen 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
