1975 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1797 kg more than 1975 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1975 Fiat 500 | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | Beetle |
Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 498 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 170 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 2307 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2510 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |