1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1974 Volvo 244
To start off, 1974 Volvo 244 is newer by 12 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 2,125 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 244 (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 244 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 244 weights approximately 919 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, 1974 Volvo 244 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 1974 Volvo 244 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. 1974 Volvo 244 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1974 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 244 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1404 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
