1972 Volvo 1800 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 1800 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 1800 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 1800 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 1800 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Volvo 1800 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 Volvo 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, 1972 Volvo 1800 (176 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Volvo 1800 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Volvo | Fiat |
| Model | 1800 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
