1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Renault 4
To start off, 1988 Renault 4 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 956 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 4 (34 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 4 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 4 weights approximately 149 kg more than 1964 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 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 1964 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Renault 4 (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1988 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
