Fiat Grande Panda Electric vs Renault 5: Which of these super-cool electric cars is best?

Can you look forwards and backwards at the same time? The designers must have sore necks from keeping an eye on the past and the future while styling the Fiat Grande Panda Electric and the Renault 5.

Like a band releasing a remix of one their most famous songs, these two cars put a new spin on something familiar. The Fiat Grande Panda is the fourth generation Panda, with nods to past models in the shape and styling details. The Renault 5 resurrects a famous model that was made from 1972 to 1996.

That’s not all these cars have in common. Both are keenly priced for electric cars, and both are small hatchbacks.

But which should you buy? It’s a tough call, but Carwow is here to help you decide.

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Fiat Grande Panda Electric vs Renault 5: Design

These cars prove that you don’t need a big budget to afford interesting designs.

The Fiat’s boxy shape is a reminder of the 1980s original, while the pixel LED headlights look like the graphics from an old Atari computer game. The style is tough but fun, like a terrier that barks at all the big dogs but rolls over for a biscuit.

The Renault is a great example of retro styling done right. Imagine starting with a 1970s Renault 5 and then watching the car evolve into a 21st century EV. The proportions haven’t changed much but the new 5 looks much more purposeful. The Renault really attracts attention, especially in a bright colour like yellow.

It really is hard to split them. Both succeed in blending heritage and modernity. But we really struggle to stop staring at the funky Renault 5.

Fiat Grande Panda Electric vs Renault 5: Interior and practicality

These are small cars, so don’t expect a huge amount of passenger space.

Whether you choose the Fiat or the Renault, both have reasonable room in the front. The Fiat’s tall and boxy shape helps with headroom, but most drivers should find a comfortable driving position in either car. The lack of steering wheel reach adjustment in the Grande Panda is annoying, though.

Neither car is very roomy in the back, but the Grande Panda is definitely the more practical of the two for carrying rear-seat passengers. You can fit three adults in the back of the Fiat at a pinch. Try that in the Renault and your passengers will ask to be let out at the nearest bus stop.

These days you sometimes find USB charging on public transport, something that’s missing from the back of the Renault 5. At least top-spec Pandas have USB charging in the back, although it’s missing from the base model.

Boot space is more generous in the Panda, with a capacity of 361 litres. In the 5, there’s just 326 litres.

The Renault 5 takes back lost ground with a better finished cabin, although there are some low-rent materials here and there. The Fiat’s cabin feels a little cheaper, although both the Grande Panda and 5 have funky interior designs to match their eye-catching exteriors.

This round goes to the Fiat, as it is more practical than the Renault.

Fiat Grande Panda Electric vs Renault 5: Motors, range and performance

Every Fiat Grande Panda Electric comes with the same 44kWh battery. That’s on the small side, which is reflected in an official range of 199 miles. That’s plenty for a car that stays close to home, but not so great if you often tackle long journeys. It’s also worth knowing that when we drove the car we only saw a range of 120 miles.

Renault 5 buyers have a choice of two battery sizes: 40kWh and 50kWh. The smaller battery gives a range of 192miles, while the larger battery is capable of 252 miles in official tests. So, if you go for the smaller battery there’s little to choose between the Fiat and the Renault. On the other hand, if you want a car for longer journeys the bigger battery option for the Renault is handy.

Long journeys aren’t just about range. You’ll want quick charging too. Depending on the spec, the 5 is capable of 80kW or 100kW charging speeds. Every Panda charges at up to 100kW. Those speeds are about what you’d expect of a small electric car, although an MG4 EV beats the Panda and 5 with charging speeds of 117kW to 135kW depending on the model.

Performance from the Fiat is quite steady. The motor has 113hp and the 0-62mph time is around 11 seconds. The 5 is quicker with 120hp or 150hp motors, with 0-62mph times of 9.0 and 7.9 seconds.

The Renault isn’t just quicker, it’s more rewarding with nimble handling and quick steering. The Fiat is easy to drive but lacks the fun-factor of the Renault.

For its greater range and livelier performance, the Renault 5 has the edge.

Fiat Grande Panda Electric vs Renault 5: Price and standard equipment

Both these cars are keenly priced for electric cars, although there are cheaper Chinese-made alternatives.

Of the two, the Fiat Grande Panda costs the least. The range starts from £21,035, whereas the Renault 5 costs from £22,995. With either car, you can save on the RRP with a deal from Carwow.

The Fiat range starts with the Red spec, which comes with 16-inch white-painted steel wheels, manual air conditioning and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The only other model is La Prima, which is more generously equipped.

There are many more trims to choose between if you shop for a Renault 5, starting with Evolution. This includes 18-inch alloys, climate control rather than manual air conditioning, and a 10.1-inch infotainments screen with wireless smartphone mirroring.

For its lower price, this round goes to the Fiat.

Fiat Grande Panda Electric vs Renault 5: Verdict

There is no loser here. We love the Fiat and the Renault, and both have a wowscore of 9/10.

The choice comes down to priorities. The Grande Panda Electric is the more practical of the two, the 5 is better to drive.

Both are very good cars, but there’s something really special about the Renault 5.

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