1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1994 Rover 400
To start off, 1994 Rover 400 is newer by 21 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 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Rover 400 (88 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Rover 400 weights approximately 730 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, 1994 Rover 400, 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, 1994 Rover 400 (180 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1994 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1994 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 500 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
