1965 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 43 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1965 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1965 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 635 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, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Fiat 500 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 55 L |
