1968 Fiat 850 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Fiat 850 (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Fiat 850 should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 105 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850.
Because 1968 Fiat 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Volkswagen Beetle (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 850 | 1975 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2410 mm |
