1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1989 Saab 900
To start off, 1989 Saab 900 is newer by 15 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 900 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 900 weights approximately 774 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, 1989 Saab 900, 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, 1989 Saab 900 (273 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Fiat 500 | 1989 Saab 900 | |
Make | Fiat | Saab |
Model | 500 | 900 |
Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 273 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2720 mm |