1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1959 Fiat 1200
To start off, 1973 Fiat 500 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,221 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1200 (62 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1200 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1200 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1973 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, 1959 Fiat 1200 (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1959 Fiat 1200 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1221 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 38 L |
