1960 Citroen Bijou vs. 1971 Fiat 500
To start off, 1971 Fiat 500 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Citroen Bijou. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Citroen Bijou would be higher. At 497 cc (2 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 500 (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1960 Citroen Bijou. (12 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1960 Citroen Bijou. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Citroen Bijou weights approximately 54 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500.
Because 1971 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 1971 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Citroen Bijou, 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, 1971 Fiat 500 (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Citroen Bijou. (23 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Citroen Bijou.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Citroen Bijou | 1971 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Bijou | 500 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 424 cc | 497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 23 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 564 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19 L | 22 L |
