1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Ford E-250
To start off, 2006 Ford E-250 is newer by 45 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-250 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-250 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford E-250 weights approximately 684 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, 2006 Ford E-250, 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, 2006 Ford E-250 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2006 Ford E-250 | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | E-250 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 3510 mm |
