1964 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 42 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 2,194 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn ION (140 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 904 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, 2006 Saturn ION, 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, 2006 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500. 2006 Saturn ION has automatic transmission and 1964 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1964 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Saturn ION will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Fiat | Saturn |
| Model | 500 | ION |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2194 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 49 L |
