1997 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 273 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. 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, 1997 Nissan Maxima (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Maxima | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Nissan | Fiat |
| Model | Maxima | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2301 mm |
