1972 Fiat 500 vs. 2011 Ford S-Max
To start off, 2011 Ford S-Max is newer by 39 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford S-Max is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford S-Max (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford S-Max should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford S-Max weights approximately 1233 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, 2011 Ford S-Max, 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, 2011 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 500 | 2011 Ford S-Max | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | S-Max |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1743 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 70 L |
