1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Rover 800
To start off, 1996 Rover 800 is newer by 25 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Rover 800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 800 (174 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 800 weights approximately 925 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, 1996 Rover 800, 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, 1996 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500. 1996 Rover 800 has automatic transmission and 1971 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1971 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Rover 800 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 1996 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 500 | 800 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2780 mm |
