1971 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Rover 45
To start off, 2003 Rover 45 is newer by 32 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 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Rover 45 (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Rover 45 weights approximately 600 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, 2003 Rover 45, 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, 2003 Rover 45 (123 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 500 | 2003 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 500 | 45 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 497 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 54 L |
