1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 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), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 425 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (158 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
