1988 Fiat Tipo vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Fiat Tipo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Fiat Tipo would be higher. At 1,581 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Fiat Tipo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat Tipo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 22 kg more than 1988 Fiat Tipo. 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (130 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat Tipo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat Tipo | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | Tipo | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1581 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2301 mm |
