1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 32 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 774 kg more than 1964 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 500 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2520 mm |
