1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1962 Fiat 500
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1962 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1962 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 131 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 1850 mm |
