1955 Fiat 600 vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volvo 242 (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1955 Fiat 600. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volvo 242 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 715 kg more than 1955 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1986 Volvo 242 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fiat 600. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 242 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fiat 600 | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 600 | 242 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 19 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 56 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 575 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2660 mm |
