1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 35 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 1,910 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lancia Thesis (182 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 1185 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, 2003 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2003 Lancia Thesis (305 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2003 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 500 | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| 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 | 510 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 75 L |
