1959 Fiat 1800 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1800 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (100 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1800. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1800 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1959 Fiat 1800 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 1959 Fiat 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle (150 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1800. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1800 | 1999 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1800 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |
