1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Toyota Corolla 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 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Corolla (85 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 570 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 Toyota Corolla, 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 Toyota Corolla (121 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 500 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| 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 | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
