2006 Fiat Panda vs. 1971 Fiat 500
To start off, 2006 Fiat Panda 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Panda weights approximately 350 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 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, 2006 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Panda | 1971 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | Panda | 500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 860 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 22 L |
