1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1998 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1998 Peugeot 406 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,761 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Peugeot 406 (109 HP) has 29 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 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 1959 Fiat 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Peugeot 406, 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, 1998 Peugeot 406 (155 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1998 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 1500 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1761 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 109 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 70 L |
