1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 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 2,314 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 240 (111 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 760 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 Volvo 240 (185 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2660 mm |
