1961 Fiat 850 vs. 1986 Renault 4
To start off, 1986 Renault 4 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 956 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Fiat 850 (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1986 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Fiat 850 should accelerate faster than 1986 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 4 weights approximately 82 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850.
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 Renault 4, 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, 1961 Fiat 850 (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Renault 4. (63 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1961 Fiat 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 850 | 1986 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 850 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 613 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
