1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 53 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 1,481 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1500. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1500.
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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 Nm) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (109 Nm). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1959 Fiat 1500 has manual transmission. 1959 Fiat 1500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Fiat 1500 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
Make | Fiat | Fiat |
Model | 1500 | 500 |
Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1368 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 79 HP | 101 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 109 Nm | 133 Nm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3546 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1628 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1519 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2301 mm |