1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 6 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 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (43 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 387 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, 1980 Ford Escort (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 53.3 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 903 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 45 L |
