1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 310 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Beetle (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Fiat 500 | 1980 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 497 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 40 L |