1959 Berkeley Foursome vs. 1960 Fiat 500
To start off, 1960 Fiat 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 692 cc (2 cylinders), 1959 Berkeley Foursome is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Berkeley Foursome (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Foursome should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Fiat 500 weights approximately 87 kg more than 1959 Berkeley Foursome.
Because 1960 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1960 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley Foursome, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1959 Berkeley Foursome (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1959 Berkeley Foursome will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley Foursome | 1960 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Fiat |
| Model | Foursome | 500 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 468 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 1960 mm |
