1975 Fiat 500 vs. 2004 Ford Laser
To start off, 2004 Ford Laser is newer by 29 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Laser (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Laser weights approximately 605 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, 2004 Ford Laser, 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, 2004 Ford Laser (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500. 2004 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1975 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1975 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 500 | 2004 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2620 mm |
