1949 Fiat 500 vs. 1972 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1972 Ford Cortina is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1949 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1949 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Cortina weights approximately 509 kg more than 1949 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:
| 1949 Fiat 500 | 1972 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 569 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 87 L |
