1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 1989 Renault 21 is newer by 27 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Renault 21 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 21 weights approximately 535 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, 1989 Renault 21, 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, 1989 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Fiat 500 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
Make | Fiat | Renault |
Model | 500 | 21 |
Year Released | 1962 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1721 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 22 HP | 75 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 36 Nm | 129 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4650 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2820 mm |