1958 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Lancia Kappa
To start off, 1996 Lancia Kappa is newer by 38 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 2,451 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lancia Kappa (173 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 1050 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, 1996 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1996 Lancia Kappa (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 1996 Lancia Kappa | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Kappa |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 2451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
