1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1981 Ford Mustang is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 675 kg more than 1968 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 96.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
