1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1970 Fiat 124
To start off, 1974 Fiat 500 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Fiat 124 (59 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Fiat 124 weights approximately 414 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1970 Fiat 124 (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1970 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1970 Fiat 124 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 500 | 124 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 38 L |
