1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1994 Volvo 850
To start off, 1994 Volvo 850 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 1,984 cc (5 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 850 weights approximately 825 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 Volvo 850, 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 Volvo 850 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1994 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 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 | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 58 L |
