1978 Fiat Mirafiori vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Mirafiori would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 250 kg more than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat Mirafiori 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 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Mirafiori | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mirafiori | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
