Volkswagen Beetle I vs Fiat 500 I: specs side by side
Quick comparison from catalog data - no editorial review of this pair yet.

Volkswagen · 1938–2003
Beetle I
- Power
- 9 kW12 PS
- Top speed
- -
Photo: dave_7 / Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Fiat · 1957–1975
500 I
- Power
- 11 kW15 PS
- Top speed
- 90 km/h
Photo: Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
In plain words
Fiat 500 I has more power: 11 kW (15 PS) against 9 kW (12 PS) for Volkswagen Beetle I. Volkswagen Beetle I is the older design (from 1938); Fiat 500 I arrived in 1957.
Full specifications
| Volkswagen Beetle I | Fiat 500 I | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Version | 9 kW (12 PS) | 11 kW (15 PS) |
| Production years | 1938–2003 | 1957–1975 |
| Body | Sedan, Convertible | Sedan, Station wagon |
| Country | Germany | Italy |
| Performance | ||
| Power Why it matters: More power means stronger acceleration and easier overtaking, especially with a full load. | 9 kW (12 PS) 12 hp | 11 kW (15 PS) 15 hp Better |
| Power, all versions | 9–37 kW (12–50 PS) 12–50 hp | 10–13 kW (14–18 PS) 13–17 hp |
| Top speed Why it matters: Top speed hints at how relaxed the car is at motorway speeds, even if you never reach it. | No data | 90 km/h 56 mph |
| Engine and transmission | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 2 cyl | No data |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
These cars do not differ in the data we have.
Equal rows hidden (1): Fuel.
Better marks the stronger figure - only for measurable specs (power, torque, 0–100 km/h, consumption, boot, weight).