1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 47 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 1170 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2008 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| 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 | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2660 mm |
