1972 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 355 kg more than 1972 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1980 Ford Escort (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 500 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 40 L |
