1970 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 28 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 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 681 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, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1970 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1970 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Fiat | Chevrolet |
| Model | 500 | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 57 L |
