1971 Fiat 130 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 130 would be higher. At 2,866 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 130 (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 130 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 130 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Fiat 130 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 1971 Fiat 130. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1971 Fiat 130 (216 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1971 Fiat 130 has manual transmission. 1971 Fiat 130 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 130 | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 130 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2866 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
