1961 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 37 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 3,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix (173 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 961 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, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix 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. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3128 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 3110 mm |
