1996 Toyota Hi-Ace vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (90 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 643 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
Because 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Toyota | Fiat |
| Model | Hi-Ace | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2446 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1519 mm |
