1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 44 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (104 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1760 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5, 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 T5 (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | T5 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 5300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 80 L |
