1977 Fiat 127 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 127. (70 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 491 kg more than 1977 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Fiat 127 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 1977 Fiat 127. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 127. (83 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 127 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 127 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1047 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 775 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
