1971 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 27 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 605 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, 1998 Ford Laser, 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, 1998 Ford Laser (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Fiat 500 | 1998 Ford Laser | |
Make | Fiat | Ford |
Model | 500 | Laser |
Year Released | 1971 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 497 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 105 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81.3 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1115 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4260 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |