1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Maserati 228
To start off, 1988 Maserati 228 is newer by 14 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 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Maserati 228 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Maserati 228 (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Maserati 228 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Maserati 228 weights approximately 749 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, 1988 Maserati 228 (365 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Maserati 228 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1988 Maserati 228 | |
| Make | Fiat | Maserati |
| Model | 500 | 228 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2610 mm |
