1964 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 40 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 801 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.
Because 1964 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 1964 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
