1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 16 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 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 430 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1986 Ford Escort (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2520 mm |
