2009 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 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 40 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat 500 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. 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, 2009 Fiat 500 (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat 500 | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 38 L |
