1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 695 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 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 500 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
