1972 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1981 Ford Fairlane is newer by 9 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 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 890 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.
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, 1981 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500. 1981 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 500 | 1981 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2950 mm |
