1961 Fiat 850 vs. 2010 Fiat 500
To start off, 2010 Fiat 500 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Fiat 500 weights approximately 392 kg more than 1961 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Fiat 500, 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, 2010 Fiat 500 (132 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 850 | 2010 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 850 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 613 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3290 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 35 L |
