1965 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 612 kg more than 1965 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 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 1965 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Escort (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 1996 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 48 L |
