1987 Fiat Panda vs. 1969 Fiat 500
To start off, 1987 Fiat Panda is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 769 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Fiat Panda (34 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Fiat Panda weights approximately 170 kg more than 1969 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 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 1969 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Fiat Panda, 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 Fiat Panda (57 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1987 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Fiat Panda | 1969 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | Panda | 500 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 769 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 18 HP |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 22 L |
