Fiat 500 vs. Hyundai Casper – Which One Steals Your Heart?

Two vehicles with cute designs
Fiat 500 & Hyundai Casper
Comparing the two models together

Two vehicle models are widely popular due to their cute design rather than their performance: Italy’s representative subcompact vehicle, the Fiat 500, and Hyundai’s mini SUV, Casper. The Fiat 500 looks like a mini vehicle. Still, it is treated as a subcompact vehicle in South Korea, and the Casper is classified as a mini vehicle, so it is difficult to compare the two models directly.

However, everyone will agree that these two vehicles are small, represent each country, can be easily driven by anyone, and are differentiated by their unique design. According to recent information, Casper is about to be launched as a facelift version, and an electric vehicle model is also said to be released. At this point, shall we compare the two vehicles?

The Fiat 500 maintains a traditional design
Casper with future-oriented design

The Fiat 500 is an Italian subcompact vehicle produced since 1936, starting with the nickname Topolino. When it was first launched, it used an engine with a displacement of 500cc, befitting the name 500, but the displacement was increased over time. Fiat, which creates a soft and cute image using a curved body and round headlamps, has inherited the design from the beginning of its launch.

On the other hand, the Casper has a design reminiscent of Hyundai’s SUV, scaled down to a mini vehicle. It has a straighter appearance than the Fiat 500, and its headlamps are also horizontal, in contrast to those of the Fiat 500. While Fiat gives the feeling of inheriting tradition, Casper creates a contrasting atmosphere with its futuristic grille and separate layout.

Visible even indoors
Contrasting designs of the two models

These differences can also be felt in the interior. The Fiat 500, which has established itself as a fashion car, focuses on design and emotion rather than providing convenience, so it may be uncomfortable for South Korean drivers who have experienced various options through various vehicles. In the case of Casper, convenience has been improved by being equipped with a digital instrument panel and an 8-inch navigation system.

Fiat is releasing an electric model called 500e, and Casper has been sold only as an internal combustion engine model. Still, Casper’s electric model is also scheduled to be released in July 2024, again drawing attention. Casper, classified as a mini SUV, has a slightly larger body and is highly likely to be classified as a subcompact vehicle.

With the release of the Casper Electric imminent
It’s likely to compete with the 500e in the subcompact segment

This also indicates that the company did not stick to the size of a mini vehicle because it was produced primarily for export to Europe and Japan. Once the Casper Electric is launched, it will finally be able to compete with the Fiat 500 in performance.

Meanwhile, the Fiat 500e has a 42kWh small battery pack, producing a maximum output of about 118 horsepower and taking 9 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph). The maximum speed of the Fiat 500e is 150 km/h ( 93 mph ), and the driving range is approximately 320 km (199 miles) on a single charge. (Based on WLTP) Casper Electric has not yet disclosed exact information, but it can drive about 350 km (217 miles) on a single charge thanks to its NCM battery.