2008 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto is newer by 52 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 1,241 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Fiat Grande Punto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat Grande Punto weights approximately 350 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, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto, 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, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Grande Punto | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grande Punto | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 42 L |
