1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 1963 Fiat 500
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi weights approximately 1014 kg more than 1963 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 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 1963 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Fiat |
| Model | 512 BBi | 500 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 499 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 38 L |
