1961 Lancia Appia vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Lancia Appia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Lancia Appia would be higher. At 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1961 Lancia Appia. (55 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1961 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 291 kg more than 1961 Lancia Appia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Lancia Appia 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 Lancia Appia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Lancia Appia. (87 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Lancia Appia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Lancia Appia | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Lancia | Fiat |
| Model | Appia | 500 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1096 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 40 L |
