1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 25 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (113 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 635 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, 1998 Ford Laser, 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, 1998 Ford Laser (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 53 L |
