1963 Fiat 500 vs. 1972 Fiat 124
To start off, 1972 Fiat 124 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 124 weights approximately 456 kg more than 1963 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, 1972 Fiat 124 (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 1972 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 124 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| 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 | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2350 mm |
