1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2001 Renault Vel Satis is newer by 33 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (163 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Renault Vel Satis should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Renault Vel Satis weights approximately 1160 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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis, 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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 80 L |
