1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 34 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 654 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, 2007 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Polo (220 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2007 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 45 L |
