Compare the2018 Volkswagen BeetleVS 2018 Fiat 124 Spider

The Beetle has standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 124 Spider doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Compared to metal, the Beetle’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Fiat 124 Spider has a metal gas tank.

The Beetle SE has standard Car-Net, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The 124 Spider doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Beetle and the 124 Spider have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The Volkswagen Beetle weighs 504 to 836 pounds more than the Fiat 124 Spider. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

The Beetle comes with a full 6-year/72000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The 124 Spider’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years and 22000 miles sooner.

The Beetle’s corrosion warranty is 5 years longer than the 124 Spider’s (10 vs. 5 years).

There are over 70 percent more Volkswagen dealers than there are Fiat dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Beetle’s warranty.

The camshafts in the Beetle’s engine are driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The 124 Spider’s camshaft is driven by a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement. If the 124 Spider’s cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2017 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are better in initial quality than Fiat vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen 10th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 70 more problems per 100 vehicles, Fiat is ranked 32nd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Volkswagen vehicles are more reliable than Fiat vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Volkswagen 19th in reliability. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Fiat is ranked 29th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ April 2017 Auto Issue reports that Volkswagen vehicles are more reliable than Fiat vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Volkswagen 6 places higher in reliability than Fiat.

The Beetle’s 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 14 more horsepower (174 vs. 160) than the 124 Spider’s standard 1.4 turbo 4 cyl. The Beetle’s 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 10 more horsepower (174 vs. 164) than the 124 Spider Abarth’s standard 1.4 turbo 4 cyl.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Beetle uses regular unleaded gasoline. The 124 Spider requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Beetle has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the 124 Spider (14.5 vs. 11.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Volkswagen Beetle higher (7 out of 10) than the Fiat 124 Spider (3). This means the Beetle produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 124 Spider every 15,000 miles.

The Volkswagen Beetle comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the 124 Spider.

For better stopping power the Beetle’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the 124 Spider:

For better traction, the Beetle has larger standard tires than the 124 Spider (215/55R17 vs. 195/50R16). The Beetle’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 124 Spider (235/45R18 vs. 205/45R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Beetle offers optional 18-inch wheels. The 124 Spider’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

The Volkswagen Beetle’s wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Fiat 124 Spider only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Beetle has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The 124 Spider doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Beetle’s wheelbase is 9.1 inches longer than on the 124 Spider (100 inches vs. 90.9 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Beetle is 3.3 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than the track on the 124 Spider.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Beetle has standard flush composite headlights. The 124 Spider has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Beetle Dune Convertible is quieter than the 124 Spider Abarth:

The Beetle has standard seating for 4 passengers; the 124 Spider can only carry 2.

The Beetle Convertible has a much larger trunk than the 124 Spider (7.1 vs. 4.9 cubic feet).

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the Beetle has a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The 124 Spider doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

The Beetle’s standard front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The 124 Spider’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. The Beetle Convertible’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Beetle SE/Dune/Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 124 Spider doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Beetle’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The 124 Spider’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

The Beetle’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Fiat offers heated mirrors for extra charge, but only on the 124 Spider Lusso/Abarth.

The Beetle SE/Dune’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The 124 Spider doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the Beetle’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation, which can trigger allergies or asthma. The 124 Spider doesn’t offer a filtration system.

The Volkswagen Beetle comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Fiat 124 Spider isn’t available as a coupe.

The Beetle will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Beetle will retain 43.41% to 74.04% of its original price after five years, while the 124 Spider only retains 38.92% to 39.11%.

The Volkswagen Beetle outsold the Fiat 124 Spider by over three to one during 2017.