1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Mustang is newer by 35 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (350 HP) has 328 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 805 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (556 Nm) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 350 HP |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 556 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2580 mm |
