1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Proton Arena
To start off, 2004 Proton Arena is newer by 31 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 1,468 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Proton Arena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Proton Arena (90 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Proton Arena should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Proton Arena weights approximately 555 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, 2004 Proton Arena, 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, 2004 Proton Arena (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Proton Arena will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2004 Proton Arena | |
| Make | Fiat | Proton |
| Model | 500 | Arena |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2610 mm |
