1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 27 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 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500.
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, 1989 Pontiac Firebird (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1989 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 60 L |
