2001 Citroen C3 vs. 1962 Fiat 500
To start off, 2001 Citroen C3 is newer by 39 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 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen C3 weights approximately 767 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, 2001 Citroen C3, 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, 2001 Citroen C3 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Citroen C3 | 1962 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | C3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1252 kg | 485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 38 L |
