1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1977 Ford Cortina is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Ford Cortina (108 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Cortina weights approximately 618 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, 1977 Ford Cortina (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 54 L |
