1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1989 Ford Meteor is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Meteor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Meteor (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Meteor should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500.
Because 1964 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 1964 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Meteor, 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, 1989 Ford Meteor (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Meteor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1989 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 Length | 3190 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2410 mm |
