1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 17 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 725 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am 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. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 69 L |
