1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Ford Laser
To start off, 1999 Ford Laser is newer by 31 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Laser (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Laser weights approximately 635 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 1968 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford Laser, 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, 1999 Ford Laser (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1999 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
