1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2010 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mariner is newer by 37 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercury Mariner (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1139 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, 2010 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2010 Mercury Mariner (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 500 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2619 mm |
