1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1972 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1972 Lincoln Continental is newer by 11 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 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 1790 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, 1972 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 452 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500. 1972 Lincoln Continental has automatic transmission and 1961 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1961 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1972 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Fiat | Lincoln |
| Model | 500 | Continental |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 7542 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 2330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 3230 mm |
