1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 19 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 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 905 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, 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair 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. 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1981 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 500 | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2700 mm |
