1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1989 Peugeot 405 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Peugeot 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Peugeot 405 (64 HP) has 42 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Peugeot 405 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Peugeot 405 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Peugeot 405 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Peugeot 405 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Peugeot 405 (122 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Peugeot 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1989 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 64 HP |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2680 mm |
