1961 Citroen 2CV vs. 1960 Fiat 500
To start off, 1961 Citroen 2CV is newer by 1 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 500 cc (2 cylinders), 1960 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Fiat 500 (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1961 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1961 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Fiat 500 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1961 Citroen 2CV. 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, 1961 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1960 Fiat 500 (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1960 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Citroen 2CV | 1960 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | 2CV | 500 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1960 mm |
