1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1989 Toyota Corolla is newer by 16 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 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota Corolla (63 HP) has 45 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 520 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, 1989 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1989 Toyota Corolla (111 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1989 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 500 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 63 HP |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2440 mm |
