2006 Chrysler 300 vs. 1961 Fiat 500
To start off, 2006 Chrysler 300 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chrysler 300 (215 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 1419 kg more than 1961 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, 2006 Chrysler 300 (511 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 500. 2006 Chrysler 300 has automatic transmission and 1961 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1961 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chrysler 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chrysler 300 | 1961 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Fiat |
| Model | 300 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 511 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1959 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 1950 mm |
