1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Fiesta (76 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 390 kg more than 1971 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1989 Ford Fiesta (132 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Fiat 500 | 1989 Ford Fiesta | |
Make | Fiat | Ford |
Model | 500 | Fiesta |
Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 497 cc | 1753 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 76 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 132 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3750 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1610 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |