1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Renault Megane
To start off, 2003 Renault Megane 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Renault Megane (107 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Megane weights approximately 690 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 Renault Megane, 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 Renault Megane (152 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2003 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | Megane |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| 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 | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 60 L |
