1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1988 Honda Prelude is newer by 27 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 1,958 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Prelude (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Prelude weights approximately 630 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, 1988 Honda Prelude, 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, 1988 Honda Prelude (184 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1988 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2580 mm |
