1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 37 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 721 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 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1231 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 |
