1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Toyota Prius
To start off, 1999 Toyota Prius is newer by 37 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 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota Prius (127 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Prius weights approximately 1130 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, 1999 Toyota Prius, 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, 1999 Toyota Prius (108 Nm) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm). This means 1999 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 1999 Toyota Prius 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. 1999 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1999 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 500 | Prius |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2440 mm |
