1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1980 Honda Ballade is newer by 10 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 1,335 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Honda Ballade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Honda Ballade (67 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Honda Ballade weights approximately 276 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.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade, 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, 1980 Honda Ballade (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Honda Ballade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1980 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 500 | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1335 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2330 mm |
