1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 24 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 590 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2630 mm |
