1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1966 Fiat 850
To start off, 1966 Fiat 850 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 843 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Fiat 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Fiat 850 (41 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Fiat 850 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Fiat 850 weights approximately 186 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1966 Fiat 850 (60 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1966 Fiat 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1966 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 843 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 726 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 30 L |
