1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 33 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 944 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, 2006 Ford Focus, 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, 2006 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 53 L |
