1972 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 840 kg more than 1972 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (241 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Fiat 500 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | Jetta |
Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 2480 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 28 Nm | 241 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |