1962 Honda S500 vs. 1987 Renault 4
To start off, 1987 Renault 4 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 956 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Renault 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Honda S500 (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1987 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Honda S500 should accelerate faster than 1987 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Renault 4 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1962 Honda S500.
Because 1962 Honda S500 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 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Renault 4 (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1987 Renault 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 1987 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Honda | Renault |
| Model | S500 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
