1964 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 48 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 989 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, 2012 Kia Optima, 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, 2012 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500. 2012 Kia Optima 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. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Fiat | Kia |
| Model | 500 | Optima |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 70 L |
