1957 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Ford Focus

To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 886 kg more than 1957 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1957 Fiat 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1957 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 500.

Compare all specifications:

1957 Fiat 500 2004 Ford Focus
Make Fiat Ford
Model 500 Focus
Year Released 1957 2004
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 479 cc 1599 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 14 HP 135 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 24 Nm 178 Nm
Torque RPM 3400 RPM 1750 RPM
Engine Bore Size 67.5 mm 75 mm
Engine Stroke Size 70 mm 88.3 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 7.1:1 18.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 470 kg 1356 kg
Vehicle Length 2980 mm 4350 mm
Vehicle Width 1330 mm 1850 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 1850 mm 2760 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 38 L 45 L