1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1993 Ford Contour
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 19 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 797 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, 1993 Ford Contour, 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, 1993 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1993 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
