1961 Fiat 600 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo S40 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 600. (23 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 600.
Because 1961 Fiat 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volvo S40, 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 Volvo S40 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 600. (45 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 600 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 600 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
