1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1983 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1983 Ford Fiesta is newer by 22 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 957 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fiesta (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 175 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.
Because 1961 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1961 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1983 Ford Fiesta (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1983 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2300 mm |
