1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1999 Renault Clio
To start off, 1999 Renault Clio 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Renault Clio (106 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Clio weights approximately 485 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 Renault Clio, 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 Renault Clio (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1999 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | Clio |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 50 L |
