1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1996 Rover 400
To start off, 1996 Rover 400 is newer by 23 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 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Rover 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Rover 400 (109 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 400 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500.
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, 1996 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, 1996 Rover 400 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 500 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2560 mm |
