1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 44 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 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 885 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, 2005 Volvo V50, 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2800 mm |
