1961 Fiat 500 vs. 2009 Nissan NP300
To start off, 2009 Nissan NP300 is newer by 48 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 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan NP300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan NP300 (141 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan NP300 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan NP300 weights approximately 902 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, 2009 Nissan NP300, 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, 2009 Nissan NP300 (205 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan NP300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 500 | 2009 Nissan NP300 | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | NP300 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2960 mm |
