1983 Fiat 126 vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1983 Fiat 126 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Volkswagen Beetle (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1954 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 155 kg more than 1983 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1954 Volkswagen Beetle (89 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 126. (42 Nm). This means 1954 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 126 | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 126 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
