1963 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Ford Escort is newer by 35 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 1,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Escort weights approximately 685 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, 1998 Ford Escort, 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, 1998 Ford Escort (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Fiat 500 | 1998 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
