1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1973 Fiat 130
To start off, 1973 Fiat 130 is newer by 11 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 3,237 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Fiat 130 (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Fiat 130 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Fiat 130 weights approximately 1030 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, 1973 Fiat 130 (255 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 1973 Fiat 130 has automatic transmission and 1962 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1962 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Fiat 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1973 Fiat 130 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 130 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3237 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 80 L |
