1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 28 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 3,505 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (247 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 899 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, 2002 Nissan Altima, 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (338 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500. 2002 Nissan Altima 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. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Fiat | Nissan |
| Model | 500 | Altima |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 3505 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 73 L |
