1966 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 1260 kg more than 1966 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1966 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1966 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2950 mm |
