1962 Fiat 500 vs. 2002 Honda Life
To start off, 2002 Honda Life is newer by 40 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 656 cc (3 cylinders), 2002 Honda Life is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Life (63 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Life should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Life weights approximately 320 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, 2002 Honda Life, 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, 2002 Honda Life (93 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Life will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500. 2002 Honda Life 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. 2002 Honda Life will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 2002 Honda Life | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Life |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 31 L |
