1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 16 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 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1056 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 76 L |
