1969 Fiat 500 vs. 1985 Fiat Regata
To start off, 1985 Fiat Regata is newer by 16 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 1,300 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Fiat Regata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Fiat Regata (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Fiat Regata should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Fiat Regata weights approximately 410 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, 1985 Fiat Regata, 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, 1985 Fiat Regata (102 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Fiat Regata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 1985 Fiat Regata | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | Regata |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2460 mm |
