1972 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1989 Ford Taurus is newer by 17 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 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Taurus (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Taurus 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.
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, 1989 Ford Taurus, 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, 1989 Ford Taurus (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 500 | 1989 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2700 mm |
