1963 Ford Zodiac vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1963 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1963 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 340 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500.
Because 1963 Ford Zodiac 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 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 2012 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Ford Zodiac. (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Ford Zodiac | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Zodiac | 500 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 35 L |
