1970 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Ford Focus
To start off, 2004 Ford Focus is newer by 34 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Focus weights approximately 915 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, 2004 Ford Focus, 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, 2004 Ford Focus (175 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2004 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 14 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 24 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 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 | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2490 mm |
