1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 1997 Renault Spider is newer by 24 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Spider weights approximately 480 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2350 mm |
