1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1995 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1995 Peugeot 406 is newer by 24 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Peugeot 406 (191 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 1030 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, 1995 Peugeot 406, 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, 1995 Peugeot 406 (267 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1995 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500. 1995 Peugeot 406 has automatic transmission and 1971 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1971 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Peugeot 406 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 1995 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 406 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
