1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 808 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 Saab 9000, 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 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Fiat | Saab |
| Model | 500 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| 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 | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
