1972 Fiat 125 vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1972 Fiat 125 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 125 (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 125 should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 125 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Fiat 125 (131 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1972 Fiat 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 125 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 125 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
