2012 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, both 2012 Fiat 500 and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 237 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2012 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2012 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Fiat 500 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1096 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3546 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1628 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1519 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2301 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
