1959 Fiat 600 vs. 1996 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 1996 Mercury Mystique is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercury Mystique is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercury Mystique (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 600. (20 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 492 kg more than 1959 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercury Mystique, 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, 1996 Mercury Mystique (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 600. (40 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercury Mystique will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 600 | 1996 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 600 | Mystique |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 40 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
