1968 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Nissan Note
To start off, 2008 Nissan Note is newer by 40 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Note is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Note (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Note should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Note weights approximately 672 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, 2008 Nissan Note, 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, 2008 Nissan Note (153 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Note will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 2008 Nissan Note | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | Note |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 46 L |
