1966 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 15 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1966 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1966 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 414 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.
Because 1966 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 1966 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Fiat 500 | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2400 mm |
