2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 53 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 1,248 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat Panda (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 400 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 2009 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1956 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 (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 42 L |
