1989 Ferrari 348 vs. 1962 Fiat 500
To start off, 1989 Ferrari 348 is newer by 27 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 3,405 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 273 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 980 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, 1989 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ferrari 348 | 1962 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Fiat |
| Model | 348 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3405 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 96 L | 38 L |
