2006 Fiat Idea vs. 1971 Fiat 500
To start off, 2006 Fiat Idea is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,248 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Fiat Idea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Fiat Idea (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Idea should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Idea weights approximately 640 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Idea, 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, 2006 Fiat Idea (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Idea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Idea | 1971 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | Idea | 500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 22 L |
