1955 Fiat 1100 vs. 1971 Fiat 500
To start off, 1971 Fiat 500 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,089 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Fiat 1100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Fiat 1100 (35 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Fiat 1100 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Fiat 1100 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1955 Fiat 1100 (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1955 Fiat 1100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fiat 1100 | 1971 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 1100 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 22 L |
