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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Toyota Corolla (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) 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 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, 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 (149 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 1989 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1989 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 500 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
