1963 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Renault 19
To start off, 1988 Renault 19 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 19 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 19 (79 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19 should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 19 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1963 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 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 1963 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19, 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, 1988 Renault 19 (107 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 19 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500. 1988 Renault 19 has automatic transmission and 1963 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1963 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Renault 19 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 1988 Renault 19 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 19 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 55 L |
