1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 35 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 4,130 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 317 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 808 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 4130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 90 L |
