1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1979 Ford Escort
To start off, 1979 Ford Escort is newer by 6 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 939 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Escort (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Escort weights approximately 350 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, 1979 Ford Escort (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1979 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
