1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2001 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2001 Ford Mondeo is newer by 28 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 1,981 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mondeo (122 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 900 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, 2001 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2001 Ford Mondeo (183 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2001 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 56 L |
