1958 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 50 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (90 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 892 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, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Fiat 500 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 53 L |
