1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1997 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 205 is newer by 35 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), 1997 Peugeot 205 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 205 (102 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 205 weights approximately 252 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, 1997 Peugeot 205, 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, 1997 Peugeot 205 (122 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 205 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1997 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 205 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 70 L |
