1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 1986 Renault 21 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (67 HP) has 53 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Renault 21 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21, 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, 1986 Renault 21 (129 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 2068 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
