2006 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 128 kg more than 1979 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Fiat 131 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 1979 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (127 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
Make | Volkswagen | Fiat |
Model | New Beetle | 131 |
Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2443 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 127 Nm | 152 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 93 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 90 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1210 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2500 mm |