2009 Fiat 500 vs. 1956 Fiat 1100
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,248 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat 500 (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1956 Fiat 1100. (49 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1956 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat 500 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1956 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Fiat 1100 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 1956 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Fiat 500 (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat 500 | 1956 Fiat 1100 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 1100 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 73 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 38 L |
