1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 178 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 962 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.
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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 58 L |
