1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1988 Plymouth Horizon 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 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Plymouth Horizon (91 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Plymouth Horizon should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Plymouth Horizon weights approximately 500 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, 1988 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1988 Plymouth Horizon (165 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Plymouth Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1988 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Fiat | Plymouth |
| Model | 500 | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2530 mm |
