2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 225 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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 Panda (102 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 2009 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1954 |
| 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 | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
