1948 Fiat 500 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is newer by 26 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1948 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1948 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 1155 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. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1948 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1948 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Fiat 500 | 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Fiat | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 500 | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 52 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3220 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 3080 mm |
