Compare performance (540 HP vs 70 HP), boot space and price (23,900 £ vs 14,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault R5 or Fiat Panda?
In the bustling world of automotive innovation, compact hatchbacks have consistently attracted city dwellers and small family buyers looking for efficiency, practicality, and fun. Today, we put two exciting contenders head-to-head: the Fiat Panda and the Renault R5. With distinct powertrains and a focus on different aspects of driving experience, both vehicles showcase the evolution of compact cars in 2024 and 2025.
The Fiat Panda, a classic in the compact segment, carries on into 2024 with modern enhancements while preserving its charmingly quirky character. Sporting a petrol MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) engine that produces up to 70 HP from its 999 cm³ three-cylinder engine, this hatchback is built for both versatility and efficiency.
The Fiat Panda's performance is characterized by a healthy torque of 92 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 13.9 seconds (14.7 seconds for some variants). This modest acceleration is complemented by a top speed of 164 km/h, making it suitable for both city driving and occasional highway jaunts. The vehicle's fuel consumption ranges between 5 and 5.1 L/100km, translating to CO2 emissions of 113 to 116 g/km. This positions the Panda within C and D efficiency classes, thus offering a reasonable balance for cost-conscious buyers.
With seating for up to five, the Fiat Panda accommodates both family trips and grocery runs. Practicality shines through with a trunk capacity of 225 liters. Moreover, its compact dimensions (length of 3653 mm, width of 1643 mm, and height of 1551 mm) make it an ideal urban vehicle, where parking can be a challenge.
The Renault R5 boldly steps into the spotlight as an electric hatchback with a futuristic allure set to debut in 2025. With its sleek design and innovative technology, it's designed to appeal to the environmentally conscious driver. The R5 is equipped with a powerful electric motor that can generate up to 150 HP, drawing from an impressive 40 kWh battery pack.
Acceleration is one of the standout features of the R5. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in as quick as 8 seconds, due to its torque of up to 245 Nm. Though the top speed is capped at 150 km/h, the electric driving range is particularly remarkable, boasting figures from 300 km up to 405 km on a single charge. Additionally, the R5 operates at a consumption rate of just 14.8 kWh/100km, ensuring minimal carbon footprint with zero emissions (CO2 = 0 g/km).
The Renault R5 also excels in practicality, notably with a trunk capacity that exceeds the Panda's at 326 liters. The space can comfortably seat five passengers, amplifying its appeal as a family car. It comes with modern technological enhancements, aligning with consumer expectations of connectivity and convenience in contemporary vehicles.
When comparing these two hatchbacks, it is essential to consider driving preferences and lifestyle. The Fiat Panda remains appealing to those who prefer traditional petrol engines with a mild hybrid option for better fuel efficiency. Its practicality and quaint design are suited for urban living.
On the other hand, the Renault R5 positions itself as a progressive choice, carving a niche for electric vehicle enthusiasts looking for efficient alternatives without sacrificing performance. Its advanced electric capabilities and revolving ecosystem surrounding EVs can enrich the driving experience for users inclined towards sustainability.
Both the Fiat Panda and Renault R5 stand strong in their respective corners. The Panda champions conventional driving and practical design, while the R5 leads with electric innovation and dynamic performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two is reflected in the buyer’s predisposition towards either traditional or electric mobility. Each model has its own set of followers, ensuring that both will continue to thrive in the automotive market.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
Fiat Panda is substantially cheaper – starting at 14,100 £ , while the Renault R5 costs 23,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,780 £.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the Renault R5 offers clearly more power – delivering 540 HP compared to 70 HP. That’s roughly 470 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault R5 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Fiat Panda takes 13.9 s. That’s about 10.4 s quicker.
Looking at top speed, the Renault R5 is noticeably faster – reaching 270 km/h, while the Fiat Panda tops out at 164 km/h. The difference is around 106 km/h.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Renault R5 delivers substantially more torque with 4,800 Nm compared to 92 Nm. That’s about 4,708 Nm more.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
Seats: Renault R5 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.
In terms of curb weight, Fiat Panda is noticeably lighter – 1,055 kg compared to 1,447 kg. The difference is around 392 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Renault R5 offers clearly more boot space – 326 L compared to 225 L. That’s a difference of about 101 L.
For maximum load capacity, the Renault R5 offers markedly more capacity – up to 1,106 L, about 236 L more than the Fiat Panda.
When it comes to payload, the Renault R5 carries somewhat more – 418 kg compared to 365 kg. That’s a difference of about 53 kg.
The Renault R5 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Renault 5 is a cheeky city car that marries retro charm with modern flair, its playful looks promising smiles before you even start the engine. Practical enough for daily life yet lively enough to make short trips feel like mini adventures, it’s an irresistible choice for buyers who prefer personality to bland practicality.
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The Panda is a charming, no-nonsense city companion that mixes cheerful Italian flair with genuinely useful practicality, making tight streets and daily errands feel less of a chore. Its honest simplicity, clever packaging and a dash of cheeky character make it a smart, low-stress buy for people who prefer sensible perks over showroom flash.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
23,900 - 137,100 £
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Price
14,100 £
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
14.8 - 15.2 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
307 - 405 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
40 - 52 kWh
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
0 g/km
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co2
113 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
38 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Body Type
Hatchback
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Seats
2 - 5
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Seats
4
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Doors
3 - 5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,447 - 1,524 kg
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Curb weight
1,055 kg
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Trunk capacity
326 L
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Trunk capacity
225 L
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Length
3,922 - 4,080 mm
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Length
3,635 mm
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Width
1,744 - 2,030 mm
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Width
1,643 mm
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Height
1,380 - 1,498 mm
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Height
1,551 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1,106 L
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Max trunk capacity
870 L
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Payload
396 - 418 kg
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Payload
365 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Electric
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
122 - 540 HP
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Power HP
70 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
13.9 s
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Max Speed
150 - 270 km/h
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Max Speed
164 km/h
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Torque
225 - 4,800 Nm
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Torque
92 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Number of Cylinders
3
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Power kW
90 - 397 kW
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Power kW
51 kW
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Engine capacity
-
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Engine capacity
999 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,027
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Model Year
2,024
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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CO2 Efficiency Class
C
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Brand
Renault
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Brand
Fiat
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España