1978 Fiat 127 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1978 Fiat 127 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 127 (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 127 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 35 kg more than 1978 Fiat 127.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 127, 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, 1955 Volkswagen Beetle (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 127 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 127 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
