1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Renault 5
To start off, 1978 Renault 5 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 5 weights approximately 456 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, 1978 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1978 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 500 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 56 L |
