1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1971 Fiat 500
To start off, 1972 Fiat 124 is newer by 1 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 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 124 weights approximately 456 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1971 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 124 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 22 L |
