1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus is newer by 34 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 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 1052 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, 1996 Ford Taurus, 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, 1996 Ford Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 1996 Ford Taurus 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. 1996 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1996 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1592 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 61 L |
