1967 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 957 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1967 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1967 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 210 kg more than 1967 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1967 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 1967 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1967 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1967 Fiat 500 | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1967 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 957 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 55.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 34 L |
