1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1979 Ford Capri
To start off, 1979 Ford Capri is newer by 18 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 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Capri (112 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Capri weights approximately 550 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, 1979 Ford Capri (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500. 1979 Ford Capri 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. 1979 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1979 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Capri |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2570 mm |
