1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Volvo 240
To start off, 1988 Volvo 240 is newer by 20 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 240 (96 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 240 weights approximately 780 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, 1988 Volvo 240 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1988 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
