1969 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Honda Accord

To start off, 1978 Honda Accord is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,750 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Accord (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Honda Accord weights approximately 390 kg more than 1969 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1969 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 1969 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord, 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, 1978 Honda Accord (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.

Compare all specifications:

1969 Fiat 500 1978 Honda Accord
Make Fiat Honda
Model 500 Accord
Year Released 1969 1978
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 499 cc 1750 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 18 HP 90 HP
Engine RPM 4600 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 27 Nm 135 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 8.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 510 kg 900 kg
Vehicle Length 3030 mm 4350 mm
Vehicle Width 1330 mm 1630 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 1850 mm 2390 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 22 L 61 L