1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1996 Suzuki Vitara 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 1,904 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Suzuki Vitara (67 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 715 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 1996 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 Suzuki Vitara (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 1996 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Fiat | Suzuki |
| Model | 500 | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1904 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2210 mm |
