1981 Fiat Panda vs. 1996 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 1996 Nissan Maxima is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Panda. (34 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 655 kg more than 1981 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Nissan Maxima (178 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Panda | 1996 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | Panda | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2710 mm |
