1955 Fiat 1400 vs. 1948 Fiat 500
To start off, 1955 Fiat 1400 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Fiat 1400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Fiat 1400 (49 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Fiat 1400 should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Fiat 1400 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1948 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fiat 1400 | 1948 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 1400 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 16 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1280 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2010 mm |
