1972 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Panda weights approximately 350 kg more than 1972 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 500 | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 35 L |
