1966 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Proton Saloon
To start off, 1998 Proton Saloon is newer by 32 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Proton Saloon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Proton Saloon (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Proton Saloon should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Proton Saloon weights approximately 410 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, 1998 Proton Saloon, 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, 1998 Proton Saloon (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Proton Saloon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 1998 Proton Saloon | |
| Make | Fiat | Proton |
| Model | 500 | Saloon |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2390 mm |
