1960 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1980 Honda Ballade is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,488 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Honda Ballade (74 HP) has 56 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Honda Ballade weights approximately 260 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1980 Honda Ballade, 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, 1980 Honda Ballade (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Honda Ballade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 1980 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2330 mm |
