2009 Fiat 500 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat 500 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat 500 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Fiat 500 (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat 500 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
