1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is newer by 10 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 539 cc (3 cylinders), 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 (26 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 weights approximately 260 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.
Because 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Fiat | Suzuki |
| Model | 500 | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 1940 mm |
