1968 Chevrolet Corvair vs. 1961 Fiat 500
To start off, 1968 Chevrolet Corvair is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,375 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Corvair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Chevrolet Corvair (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Chevrolet Corvair should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Corvair weights approximately 594 kg more than 1961 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, 1968 Chevrolet Corvair (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Corvair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Corvair | 1961 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Fiat |
| Model | Corvair | 500 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2375 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 1950 mm |
