1957 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 1989 Renault 21 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Renault 21 (91 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 21 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1957 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Fiat 500 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 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21, 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, 1989 Renault 21 (138 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1957 Fiat 500 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
Make | Fiat | Renault |
Model | 500 | 21 |
Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 479 cc | 1721 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 14 HP | 91 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 24 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1075 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4650 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2820 mm |