1967 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1967 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1967 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 751 kg more than 1967 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1967 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 1967 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (165 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Fiat 500 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1967 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| 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 | 480 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
