1974 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Mazda BT-50
To start off, 2012 Mazda BT-50 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda BT-50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda BT-50 (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda BT-50 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda BT-50 weights approximately 1350 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 2012 Mazda BT-50 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, 2012 Mazda BT-50 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, 2012 Mazda BT-50 (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda BT-50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 500 | 2012 Mazda BT-50 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | BT-50 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 516 kg | 1866 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 70 L |
