1975 Fiat 500 vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,982 cc (5 cylinders), 1995 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 850 (124 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 850 weights approximately 880 kg more than 1975 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850, 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, 1995 Volvo 850 (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1995 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 500 | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 500 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2670 mm |
