1972 Fiat 124 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 433 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
Because 1972 Fiat 124 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 1972 Fiat 124. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Fiat 124 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 124 | New Beetle |
Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 152 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1399 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |