1972 Fiat 126 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (158 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 779 kg more than 1972 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Fiat 126 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 126. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 126 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 126 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Fiat 126 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 126 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 652 cc | 1400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 24 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 42 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Top Speed | 105 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1359 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 55 L |