1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Holden Barina
To start off, 1988 Holden Barina is newer by 18 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 1,324 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Holden Barina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Holden Barina (67 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Holden Barina should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Holden Barina weights approximately 250 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, 1988 Holden Barina, 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, 1988 Holden Barina (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1988 Holden Barina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1988 Holden Barina | |
| Make | Fiat | Holden |
| Model | 500 | Barina |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 480 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2250 mm |
