1996 Ferrari 550 vs. 1971 Fiat 128
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 128. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 128 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 419 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 128. (66 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 128. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 870 kg more than 1971 Fiat 128. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ferrari 550 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 1996 Ferrari 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 128, 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 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 478 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 128. (90 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 128.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari 550 | 1971 Fiat 128 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Fiat |
| Model | 550 | 128 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5474 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 485 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 568 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 55.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 320 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 114 L | 38 L |
