2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1998 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Plymouth Neon would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Plymouth Neon (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 195 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. 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, 1998 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda. 1998 Plymouth Neon has automatic transmission and 2009 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2009 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Plymouth Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1998 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Fiat | Plymouth |
| Model | Panda | Neon |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1107 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 79 L |
