1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1978 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 5 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 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 580 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, 1978 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 1978 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1978 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Fiat | Chrysler |
| Model | 500 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
