1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 2000 Pontiac Piranha

To start off, 2000 Pontiac Piranha is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Pontiac Piranha is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Pontiac Piranha (212 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (53 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Pontiac Piranha should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Pontiac Piranha weights approximately 615 kg more than 1959 Fiat 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1959 Fiat 1200 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 1959 Fiat 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Pontiac Piranha, 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, 2000 Pontiac Piranha (203 Nm) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (81 Nm). This means 2000 Pontiac Piranha will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200. 2000 Pontiac Piranha has automatic transmission and 1959 Fiat 1200 has manual transmission. 1959 Fiat 1200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Pontiac Piranha will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1959 Fiat 1200 2000 Pontiac Piranha
Make Fiat Pontiac
Model 1200 Piranha
Year Released 1959 2000
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1221 cc 2199 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 53 HP 212 HP
Engine RPM 5300 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 81 Nm 203 Nm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 4 seats
Vehicle Weight 925 kg 1540 kg
Vehicle Length 4040 mm 4380 mm
Wheelbase Size 2350 mm 2670 mm