1968 Fiat 850 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 29 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 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 654 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1968 Fiat 850 has manual transmission. 1968 Fiat 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 850 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 850 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
