1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1970 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 9 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 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1210 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 527 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 105.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 106.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2750 mm |
