1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1973 Fiat 124
To start off, 1973 Fiat 124 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Fiat 124 (59 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Fiat 124 weights approximately 384 kg more than 1964 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, 1973 Fiat 124 (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1973 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1973 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 124 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 38 L |
