1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1997 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1997 Honda Prelude is newer by 29 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 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Prelude (200 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Prelude weights approximately 780 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, 1997 Honda Prelude, 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, 1997 Honda Prelude (219 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500. 1997 Honda Prelude has automatic transmission and 1968 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1968 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda Prelude will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1997 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2157 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 60 L |
