When it comes to nostalgic hatchbacks, no one does it better than Fiat. The Italian manufacturer has captured hearts with the Fiat 500 since its introduction in 1957.
The Fiat 500’s retro style, compact body, rounded headlights, and signature grille make for a unique model that’s easy to spot.
The model is also relatively affordable, making it a popular choice among buyers and first-time owners. It begs the question, which Fiat 500 generations are best to drive and are generally more reliable?
Fiat 500 (2007-Present)
The modern-day Fiat 500 (2007 to present) is arguably the best generation of the model. It’s equipped with advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The modern infotainment system also has a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and over-the-air updates.
As far as design goes, the 2025 Fiat 500 has modern tweaks to enhance its appeal. The interior is also stylish and practical to make for comfortable rides. You also have different options, as modern Fiat 500s come in various trims and colors, making them more personalizable than their predecessors.
The compact size also makes modern Fiat 500s perfect for city driving, allowing for better maneuverability and tight space parking. Overall, the modern Fiat 500 combines style, efficiency, and technology, making it the premier choice of its rich history.
- Engine Specs: 1.4L turbocharged inline-4
- Power: 135 horsepower
- Torque: 150 lb-ft
Fiat 500e (2020-Present)
The Fiat 500e is an all-electric version of the Fiat 500, offering an eco-friendly alternative to the Fiat 500 line. The 500e retains the iconic design of the 500 but features an electric motor and battery pack instead of internal combustion engines.
The 500e offers a quiet driving experience with a range of up to 199 miles if fully charged. Meanwhile, the electric motor produces around 117 horsepower.
- Engine Specs: Electric motor
- Power: 117 horsepower
- Torque: 162 lb-ft
Fiat 500 Nuova (1957-1960)
The Fiat 500 was originally launched as the Nuova. The first of its kind, the Nuova still holds value today due to its iconic design and reliability. The small dimensions make this generation perfect for city driving, enhancing maneuverability to make it easy to handle tight spaces.
The Fiat 500 Nuova is also economical, thanks to its small, yet efficient, engine and its relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain mechanical design. Overall, the Nuova’s retro design and charming exterior make it an iconic vehicle, even if it doesn’t hold up to modern cars. The Nuova has, and will always have, a place in the industry’s history.
- Engine Specs: 479 cc, 2-cylinder, air-cooled
- Weight: 499 kg
- Power: 18 hp
- Torque: Not specified
Fiat 500 Giardiniera (1960-1968)
The second iteration of the Fiat 500 is the Giardinieri, running from 1960 to 1968. This version has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, as well as having rear-hinged front doors and a side-opening rear door to make it easier to access the cargo area.
The increased space is not the only upgrade to the Giardiniera, as the interior is also designed to maximize space and usability by combining a minimalist and practical layout.
Like the Nuova, the Giardiniera is economical thanks to the small, efficient engine, as well as easy and inexpensive to maintain. It also retained the charming retro design, as the exterior is relatively similar to its predecessor.
- Engine Specs: 499 cc, 2-cylinder, air-cooled
- Weight: 555 kg
- Power: 18 hp
- Torque: 22.1 ft.lb @ 3200 rpm
Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS (1964-1971)
The Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS is one of the best-performing Fiat 500s in history, as it has an enhanced engine and mechanical upgrades. This generation of Fiat 500s has a 695cc engine that produces 38 horsepower, which can be raised to over 50 hp.
As for the mechanical upgrades, new features like special cylinder castings, stronger valve springs, and a revised camshaft improve engine speeds and overall enhanced performance. As for the design, this iteration of the Fiat 500 has a more sporty look thanks to its flared arches and raised engine cover.
These two redesigns give the Abarth a distinctive look and extra engine stability and cooling. Lastly, the Abarth has a compact and lightweight design, contributing to its agility. The car’s improved suspension and responsive steering also make for excellent handling characteristics.
- Engine Specs: 690 cc, 2-cylinder
- Weight: 570 kg
- Power: 38 hp
- Torque: 42 ft.lb @ 4000 rpm
Fiat 500 Lusso (1968-1972)
Introduced in 1968, the Fiat 500 Lusso is the luxurious variant of the classic Fiat 500. It has interior upgrades that enhance comfort, such as vinyl seats and padded door panels, giving the Lusso model a more refined interior than standard models.
The Lusso also has a metallic, trapezoidal instrument cluster with a speedometer and warning lights for fuel and oil pressure. And while it’s a luxurious variant, the Lusso still has practical designs like its front-hinged doors, which were considered safer and more convenient, as well as a second bumper in front of the regular one to provide enhanced safety and aesthetics.
However, the Lusso still maintains the standard model’s fuel efficiency, as it has a de-tuned version of a 500cc engine with power reduced to 18hp to increase fuel efficiency.
- Engine Specs: 499 cc, 2-cylinder
- Weight: 530 kg
- Power: 18 hp
- Torque: 22 ft.lb @ 3000 RPM
Fiat 500 R (1972-1975)
Lastly, the Fiat 500 R (Rinnovata) is the last generation of standard 500s, running from 1972 until 1975. The Rinnovata improved the preceding models, such as better performance thanks to the upgraded 594 cc engine, producing 23 hp.
This generation can also reach a top speed of around 62mph, making it a suitable vehicle for city driving. The 500 R also features a new dashboard sign with a simplified speedometer to enhance usability, while the smaller dimensions make it easy to navigate and park in crowded environments.
Of course, it’s not a Fiat 500 if not for its fuel efficiency and affordable maintenance, as this model has the same economical features as the prior designs.
- Engine Specs: 594 cc, 2-cylinder
- Weight: 525 kg
- Power: 23 hp
- Torque: 28.9 ft.lb @ 3400 rpm
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