1961 Fiat 600 vs. 2012 Ford Ka
To start off, 2012 Ford Ka is newer by 51 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Ka (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 600. (23 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Ka weights approximately 136 kg more than 1961 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Ford Ka, 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, 2012 Ford Ka (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 600. (45 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 600 | 2012 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 600 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 767 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
