1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 786 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 55 L |
