2008 Chrysler 300 vs. 1958 Fiat 500
To start off, 2008 Chrysler 300 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chrysler 300 (215 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1958 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1958 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 1489 kg more than 1958 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2008 Chrysler 300 (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 486 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Fiat 500. 2008 Chrysler 300 has automatic transmission and 1958 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1958 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chrysler 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chrysler 300 | 1958 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Fiat |
| Model | 300 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 24 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1959 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 37 L |
