1969 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2009 Nissan Versa is newer by 40 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Versa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Versa (107 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Versa weights approximately 962 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, 2009 Nissan Versa, 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, 2009 Nissan Versa (151 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 2009 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | Versa |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| 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 | 480 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 50 L |
