1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1982 Renault 9
To start off, 1982 Renault 9 is newer by 9 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Renault 9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Renault 9 (72 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Renault 9 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Renault 9 weights approximately 355 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, 1982 Renault 9, 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, 1982 Renault 9 (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1982 Renault 9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1982 Renault 9 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 9 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| 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 | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2490 mm |
