1973 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 39 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 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (138 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 855 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Fiat | Chevrolet |
| Model | 500 | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 48 L |
