1982 Austin Ambassador vs. 1960 Fiat 500
To start off, 1982 Austin Ambassador is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Austin Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Austin Ambassador (91 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Austin Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 660 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 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 1960 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Austin Ambassador, 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, 1982 Austin Ambassador (155 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1982 Austin Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Austin Ambassador | 1960 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Ambassador | 500 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 1960 mm |
