1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1997 Ford Ka
To start off, 1997 Ford Ka is newer by 27 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Ka (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Ka weights approximately 370 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, 1997 Ford Ka, 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, 1997 Ford Ka (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1997 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 40 L |
