1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Citi
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Citi 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Citi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Citi (94 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Citi should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Citi weights approximately 438 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, 1978 Volkswagen Citi, 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, 1978 Volkswagen Citi (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Citi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1978 Volkswagen Citi | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Citi |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 948 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
