1998 Volkswagen Fusca vs. 2011 Fiat 500
To start off, 2011 Fiat 500 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Fusca would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Fusca is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Fiat 500 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Fusca 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 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Fiat 500, 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, 2011 Fiat 500 (132 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. (106 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Fusca. 2011 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Fusca has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Fusca will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Fusca | 2011 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
| Model | Fusca | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
