1955 Fiat 1100 vs. 1974 Fiat 500
To start off, 1974 Fiat 500 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,089 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Fiat 1100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Fiat 1100 (49 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Fiat 1100 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Fiat 1100 weights approximately 289 kg more than 1974 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, 1955 Fiat 1100 (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1955 Fiat 1100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fiat 1100 | 1974 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 1100 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 22 L |
