1970 Fiat 125 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,607 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Fiat 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Fiat 125 (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Fiat 125 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 284 kg more than 1970 Fiat 125.
Because 1970 Fiat 125 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 1970 Fiat 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1970 Fiat 125 (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1970 Fiat 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 125 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 125 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1607 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
