1958 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Fiat Palio
To start off, 2003 Fiat Palio is newer by 45 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 999 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Palio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Fiat Palio (70 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Palio should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Palio weights approximately 435 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, 2003 Fiat Palio, 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, 2003 Fiat Palio (95 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Palio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 2003 Fiat Palio | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | Palio |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2380 mm |
