1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1985 Ford Escort
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 23 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 1,117 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (49 HP) has 27 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Escort weights approximately 305 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, 1985 Ford Escort, 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, 1985 Ford Escort (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1985 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1117 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
