1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Proton Perdana
To start off, 1999 Proton Perdana is newer by 26 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Proton Perdana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Proton Perdana (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Proton Perdana should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Proton Perdana weights approximately 735 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, 1999 Proton Perdana, 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, 1999 Proton Perdana (176 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Proton Perdana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 1999 Proton Perdana has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Proton Perdana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1999 Proton Perdana | |
| Make | Fiat | Proton |
| Model | 500 | Perdana |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2640 mm |
