1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1983 Volvo 240
To start off, 1983 Volvo 240 is newer by 13 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 2,127 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volvo 240 (122 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volvo 240 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volvo 240 weights approximately 830 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, 1983 Volvo 240 (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1983 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1983 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2127 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2660 mm |
