1965 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 44 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 413 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, 2009 Fiat Panda, 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, 2009 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 2009 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 953 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 35 L |
