1949 Fiat 500 vs. 1975 Ford Escort
To start off, 1975 Ford Escort is newer by 26 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), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Escort (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1949 Fiat 500. (16 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1949 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Escort weights approximately 310 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. 1975 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1949 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1949 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Fiat 500 | 1975 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1290 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
