1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Fiat Panda
To start off, 1981 Fiat Panda is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 843 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Panda (34 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Panda weights approximately 180 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Panda, 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, 1981 Fiat Panda (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 1981 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 843 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 58 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 40 L |
