1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Ford Focus
To start off, 2012 Ford Focus 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Focus (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Focus weights approximately 803 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, 2012 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, 2012 Ford Focus (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4450 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1319 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1824 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 47 L |
