1971 Fiat 850 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (122 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 850.
Because 1971 Fiat 850 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 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (154 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 850 | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Fiat | Chevrolet |
| Model | 850 | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11:00 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2685 mm |
