1960 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2004 Toyota Prius is newer by 44 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 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Prius (77 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Prius weights approximately 745 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, 2004 Toyota Prius, 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, 2004 Toyota Prius (115 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500. 2004 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 1960 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1960 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fiat 500 | 2004 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 500 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 500 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2760 mm |
