1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1986 Peugeot 309
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 309 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Peugeot 309 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Peugeot 309 (64 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 309 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Peugeot 309 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Fiat 500 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 1962 Fiat 500. 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 (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Peugeot 309 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1986 Peugeot 309 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 309 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
