1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 3,331 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 799 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass (252 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1974 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1974 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Fiat | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 500 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3331 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 68 L |
