1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1983 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1983 Mercury Lynx is newer by 15 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercury Lynx (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercury Lynx should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercury Lynx weights approximately 474 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.
Because 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1983 Mercury Lynx (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1983 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1983 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 500 | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2400 mm |
