1990 Fiat Tempra vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1990 Fiat Tempra is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,581 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Fiat Tempra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Fiat Tempra (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Fiat Tempra should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Fiat Tempra weights approximately 292 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 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 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Fiat Tempra, 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, 1990 Fiat Tempra (135 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1990 Fiat Tempra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Fiat Tempra | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tempra | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1581 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 42 L |
