1977 Fiat 132 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1977 Fiat 132 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Fiat 132 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Fiat 132 (112 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Fiat 132 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Fiat 132 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Fiat 132. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1977 Fiat 132 (157 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Fiat 132 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 132 | 1976 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 132 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1283 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
