1970 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Ford E-350
To start off, 2006 Ford E-350 is newer by 36 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 5,407 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-350 (255 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-350 should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford E-350 weights approximately 2346 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, 2006 Ford E-350, 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, 2006 Ford E-350 (475 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 448 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 500 | 2006 Ford E-350 | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | E-350 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 5407 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 12 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 2856 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 2120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 132 L |
