1958 Fiat 500 vs. 2001 Honda Insight
To start off, 2001 Honda Insight is newer by 43 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 995 cc (3 cylinders), 2001 Honda Insight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Insight (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Honda Insight weights approximately 376 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, 2001 Honda Insight, 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, 2001 Honda Insight (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 2001 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Insight |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
