1958 Fiat 500 vs. 1990 Fiat Tempra
To start off, 1990 Fiat Tempra is newer by 32 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), 1990 Fiat Tempra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Fiat Tempra (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Fiat Tempra should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Fiat Tempra weights approximately 710 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, 1990 Fiat Tempra, 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, 1990 Fiat Tempra (156 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Fiat Tempra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 1990 Fiat Tempra | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | Tempra |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2550 mm |
