1958 Fiat 500 vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Renault 18 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Renault 18 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Renault 18 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1958 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Renault 18, 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, 1985 Renault 18 (163 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
