1964 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 48 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 895 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1964 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1964 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Fiat 500 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |