1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1962 Fiat 500
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 34 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 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 1220 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.
Because 1962 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 1962 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1962 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Dodge | Fiat |
| Model | Caravan | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 1850 mm |
