1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 38 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 412 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 976 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 547 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Fiat | Chevrolet |
| Model | 500 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 68 L |
