1965 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 858 kg more than 1965 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (170 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
