1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1972 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1974 Fiat 500 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Peugeot 204 would be higher. At 1,128 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Peugeot 204 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Peugeot 204 (47 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Peugeot 204 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Peugeot 204 weights approximately 349 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.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Peugeot 204, 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, 1972 Peugeot 204 (84 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Peugeot 204 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1972 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 500 | 204 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1128 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2610 mm |
