1957 Fiat 1200 vs. 2011 Fiat 500
To start off, 2011 Fiat 500 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Fiat 500 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1957 Fiat 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Fiat 1200 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 Fiat 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Fiat 500, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 1200 | 2011 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 1200 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1219 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 35 L |
