1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1969 Fiat 124
To start off, 1969 Fiat 124 is newer by 7 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 1,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Fiat 124 (60 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Fiat 124 weights approximately 425 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, 1969 Fiat 124 (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1969 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 124 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 38 L |
