1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1993 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1993 Peugeot 405 is newer by 20 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 1,578 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Peugeot 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Peugeot 405 (92 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Peugeot 405 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Peugeot 405 weights approximately 510 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, 1993 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, 1993 Peugeot 405 (134 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1993 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 | 1993 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1578 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2680 mm |
