1969 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 McLaren F1
To start off, 1998 McLaren F1 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 6,063 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 600 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 McLaren F1 weights approximately 666 kg more than 1969 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, 1998 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 622 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 500 | 1998 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Fiat | McLaren |
| Model | 500 | F1 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 6063 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |
