1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1983 Renault 5
To start off, 1983 Renault 5 is newer by 10 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), 1983 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Renault 5 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Renault 5 weights approximately 345 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, 1983 Renault 5, 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, 1983 Renault 5 (157 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1983 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |
