1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Volvo V70
To start off, 2003 Volvo V70 is newer by 30 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 2,520 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volvo V70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volvo V70 (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volvo V70 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volvo V70 weights approximately 1040 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, 2003 Volvo V70, 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, 2003 Volvo V70 (340 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Volvo V70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2003 Volvo V70 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | V70 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 62 L |
