1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1987 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1987 Peugeot 405 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Peugeot 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Peugeot 405 (92 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Peugeot 405 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Peugeot 405 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Peugeot 405, 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, 1987 Peugeot 405 (183 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1987 Peugeot 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1987 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1767 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| 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 | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2680 mm |
