1966 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta is newer by 39 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), 2005 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Fiesta (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 567 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, 2005 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2005 Ford Fiesta (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 2005 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| 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 | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 45 L |
