1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Peugeot 407
To start off, 2003 Peugeot 407 is newer by 30 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 2,179 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Peugeot 407 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Peugeot 407 (155 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Peugeot 407 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Peugeot 407 weights approximately 1026 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, 2003 Peugeot 407, 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, 2003 Peugeot 407 (205 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Peugeot 407 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2003 Peugeot 407 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 407 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 96 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 | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 45 L |
