1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Mitsubishi Starion
To start off, 1988 Mitsubishi Starion is newer by 15 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mitsubishi Starion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mitsubishi Starion (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mitsubishi Starion should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mitsubishi Starion weights approximately 615 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, 1988 Mitsubishi Starion (164 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Mitsubishi Starion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1988 Mitsubishi Starion | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 500 | Starion |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1125 kg |
