1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 1130 kg more than 1970 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1970 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1970 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Fiat | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 500 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2960 mm |
