1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 34 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 726 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, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (160 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Fiat 500 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
Make | Fiat | Ford |
Model | 500 | Focus |
Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 160 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 80.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1242 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1540 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 55 L |