1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Fiat Strada
To start off, 2006 Fiat Strada is newer by 35 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Fiat Strada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Fiat Strada (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Strada should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500.
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, 2006 Fiat Strada, 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, 2006 Fiat Strada (102 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Strada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2006 Fiat Strada | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | Strada |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 58 L |
