1965 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Subaru Rex
To start off, 1988 Subaru Rex is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 544 cc (2 cylinders), 1988 Subaru Rex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Subaru Rex (31 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Subaru Rex should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Subaru Rex weights approximately 15 kg more than 1965 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Subaru Rex, 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 Subaru Rex (43 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Subaru Rex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 1988 Subaru Rex | |
| Make | Fiat | Subaru |
| Model | 500 | Rex |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 43 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 60 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2260 mm |
