1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1973 Mercury Cougar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 860 kg more than 1948 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Fiat 500 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 500 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 52 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2860 mm |
