1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda
To start off, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 3,686 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 925 kg more than 1968 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 Plymouth Barracuda (251 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1973 Plymouth Barracuda | |
| Make | Fiat | Plymouth |
| Model | 500 | Barracuda |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 3686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
