1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1985 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1985 Ford Meteor is newer by 15 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Meteor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Meteor (82 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Meteor should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500.
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, 1985 Ford Meteor, 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, 1985 Ford Meteor (123 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Meteor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1985 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
