Compare the2018 Volkswagen BeetleVS 2018 Fiat 500 Cabrio

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

© 1999 - 2026Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (Advanta-STAR). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2026/04/05

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 500 Cabrio 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.

To help make backing safer, the Beetle Coast/SE’s cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The 500 Cabrio doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

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 500 Cabrio 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 500 Cabrio have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear parking sensors.

The Volkswagen Beetle weighs 444 to 767 pounds more than the Fiat 500 Cabrio. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

Warranty

The Beetle comes with a full 6-year/72000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The 500 Cabrio’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 500 Cabrio’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.

Reliability

The camshafts in the Beetle’s engine are driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The 500 Cabrio’s camshaft is driven by a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement. If the 500 Cabrio’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.

Engine

The Beetle’s 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 39 more horsepower (174 vs. 135) and 34 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 150) than the 500 Cabrio’s standard 1.4 turbo 4 cyl. The Beetle’s 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 17 more horsepower (174 vs. 157) and 1 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 183) than the 500c Abarth’s optional 1.4 turbo 4 cyl. The Beetle’s 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. produces 14 more horsepower (174 vs. 160) and 14 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 170) than the 500c Abarth’s standard 1.4 turbo 4 cyl.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Beetle gets better fuel mileage than the 500 Cabrio:

	Beetle	500
2.0T/Auto	26 city/33 hwy	24 city/32 hwy	Turbo/Auto
2.0T Dune/Auto	26 city/34 hwy	24 city/32 hwy	Abarth/Auto

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen Beetle uses regular unleaded gasoline. The 500 Cabrio requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Beetle has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the 500 Cabrio (14.5 vs. 10.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

The Volkswagen Beetle comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the 500 Cabrio.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Beetle’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 500 Cabrio:

	Beetle	500 Cabrio
Front Rotors	11.3 inches	11.1 inches
Rear Rotors	10 inches	9.4 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Beetle has larger standard tires than the 500 Cabrio (215/55R17 vs. 195/45R16). The Beetle’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 500 Cabrio (235/45R18 vs. 205/40R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Beetle offers optional 18-inch wheels. The 500 Cabrio’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 500 Cabrio only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Beetle has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the 500 Cabrio; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Volkswagen Beetle has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Fiat 500 Cabrio has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Beetle has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Beetle flat and controlled during cornering. The 500 Cabrio base model’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Beetle’s wheelbase is 9.4 inches longer than on the 500 Cabrio (100 inches vs. 90.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Beetle is 6.8 inches wider in the front and 6 inches wider in the rear than the track on the 500 Cabrio.

The Beetle’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (59.3% to 40.7%) than the 500 Cabrio’s (64% to 36%). This gives the Beetle more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the Beetle’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the 500 Cabrio’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.6 feet).

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the Beetle Convertible is rated a Subcompact car by the EPA, while the 500 Cabrio is rated a Minicompact.

The Beetle Convertible has 5.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 500 Cabrio (81.4 vs. 76.2).

Cargo Capacity

The Beetle Convertible has a much larger trunk than the 500 Cabrio (7.1 vs. 5.4 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the Beetle. The 500 Cabrio doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Ergonomics

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 500 Cabrio 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 of the car. The 500 Cabrio’s power windows’ 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 with one touch of the switches.

The Beetle’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 500 Cabrio’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

Keyless Access optional on the Beetle allows you to unlock the driver’s door and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Fiat 500 Cabrio doesn’t offer an advanced key system.

The Beetle has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent vandalism, such as sugar in the tank and fuel theft. The 500 Cabrio doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The Beetle’s optional wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The 500 Cabrio’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Beetle Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 500 Cabrio doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Beetle offers an optional automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The 500 Cabrio doesn’t offer automatic headlights.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the Beetle (except S/Coast) offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The 500 Cabrio doesn’t offer cornering lights.

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 500 Cabrio doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the Beetle has standard rear heat vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The 500 Cabrio doesn’t offer rear vents.

Economic Advantages

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 500 Cabrio only retains 31.27% to 35.31%.

Recommendations

The Volkswagen Beetle outsold the Fiat 500 by 20% during 2017.

See Available Inventory