1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1996 Nissan Skyline is newer by 25 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 2,569 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan Skyline (271 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 990 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, 1996 Nissan Skyline, 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, 1996 Nissan Skyline (368 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 1996 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 2569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 368 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2730 mm |
