1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1983 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1983 Honda Ballade is newer by 21 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 1,335 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Honda Ballade (67 HP) has 45 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Honda Ballade weights approximately 245 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.
Because 1962 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1962 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Honda Ballade, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1983 Honda Ballade (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1983 Honda Ballade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 1983 Honda Ballade 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. 1983 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1983 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2330 mm |
