1966 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Renault 14
To start off, 1980 Renault 14 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,218 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Renault 14 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 14 (58 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 14 should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 14 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1966 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Renault 14, 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, 1980 Renault 14 (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 14 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 1980 Renault 14 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 14 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1218 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 48 L |
