1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1966 Fiat Cabriolet
To start off, 1966 Fiat Cabriolet is newer by 5 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 1,221 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Fiat Cabriolet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Fiat Cabriolet (62 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Fiat Cabriolet should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Fiat Cabriolet weights approximately 350 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, 1966 Fiat Cabriolet (94 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1966 Fiat Cabriolet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1966 Fiat Cabriolet | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | Cabriolet |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1221 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2350 mm |
