1963 Fiat 500 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 34 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 905 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.
Because 1963 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 1963 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
