1974 Fiat 500 vs. 1998 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1998 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 24 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Suzuki Vitara (79 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 480 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 1998 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Suzuki Vitara (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 1998 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Fiat | Suzuki |
| Model | 500 | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2490 mm |
