1970 Fiat 500 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,501 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 846 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 Rabbit (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |
