1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1972 Peugeot 304
To start off, 1973 Fiat 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Peugeot 304. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Peugeot 304 would be higher. At 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Peugeot 304 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Peugeot 304 (64 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Peugeot 304 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Peugeot 304 weights approximately 440 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.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Peugeot 304, 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 Peugeot 304 (95 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Peugeot 304 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1972 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 304 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 67.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 42 L |
