1965 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Kia Elan
To start off, 1999 Kia Elan is newer by 34 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 1,793 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Kia Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Elan (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Kia Elan weights approximately 528 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, 1999 Kia Elan, 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, 1999 Kia Elan (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 1999 Kia Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Kia |
| Model | 500 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2260 mm |
