1961 Fiat 850 vs. 1986 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 309 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,580 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Peugeot 309 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Peugeot 309 (115 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 309 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Peugeot 309 weights approximately 317 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 850 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 1961 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 309, 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, 1986 Peugeot 309 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Peugeot 309 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 850 | 1986 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 850 | 309 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 613 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2480 mm |
