1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1991 Volvo 850
To start off, 1991 Volvo 850 is newer by 29 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 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 1991 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Volvo 850 (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Volvo 850 weights approximately 830 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, 1991 Volvo 850, 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, 1991 Volvo 850 (230 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1991 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1991 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 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 | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 58 L |
