1972 Fiat 850 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile 442
To start off, 1972 Fiat 850 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 850.
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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 850 | 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | |
| Make | Fiat | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 850 | 442 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2850 mm |
