1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 38 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 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (173 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 932 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, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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 Altima (181 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500. 2009 Nissan Altima 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. 2009 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 65 L |
