1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 1988 Volvo 480 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 480 (108 HP) has 90 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 480 weights approximately 490 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 Volvo 480, 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 Volvo 480 (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 480 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 108 HP |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.5 mm |
| 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 | 510 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 80 L |
