1973 Fiat 132 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 132 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Fiat 132 (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Fiat 132 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 135 kg more than 1973 Fiat 132.
Because 1973 Fiat 132 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 1973 Fiat 132. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Beetle (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 132. (147 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 132.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 132 | 1998 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 132 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1754 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
