1970 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 38 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 870 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 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1970 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1970 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
