1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1964 NSU Wankel Spider
To start off, 1964 NSU Wankel Spider is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 499 cc (2 cylinders), 1961 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 NSU Wankel Spider (49 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1964 NSU Wankel Spider should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 NSU Wankel Spider weights approximately 195 kg more than 1961 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1964 NSU Wankel Spider (74 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1964 NSU Wankel Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1964 NSU Wankel Spider | |
| Make | Fiat | NSU |
| Model | 500 | Wankel Spider |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 497 cc |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
