Italy vs Italy — 1957 vs 1972
| 500 Nuova 500 (110F) | X1/9 1500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 18 hp | 85 hp |
| Torque | 21 lb-ft | 87 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1,498 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 11.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 59 mph | 109 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 18.0 sec |
| Weight | 1,036 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 1,840 mm | 2,202 mm |
| Length | 2,970 mm | 3,830 mm |
| Units Produced | 3,893,294 | 160,000 |
| Original MSRP | — | $5,600 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1957 Fiat 500 Nuova 500 (110F) brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1972 Fiat X1/9 1500 answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Fiat has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1957 Fiat 500 Nuova 500 (110F) with the 1972 Fiat X1/9 1500 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1972 Fiat X1/9 1500 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 85 hp compared to 18 hp, a 67-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Fiat 500 uses a Inline-2 Air-Cooled OHV displacing 499 cc, while the Fiat X1/9 relies on a Inline-4 SOHC with 1,498 cc. The 1972 Fiat X1/9 1500 claims a higher top speed at 109 mph compared to 59 mph. The Fiat 500 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 964 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 160,000 units built, the 1972 Fiat X1/9 1500 is considerably scarcer than the Fiat 500's 3,893,294 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.