1966 Fiat 500 vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 1997 Renault Spider is newer by 31 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Spider weights approximately 450 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2350 mm |
