1975 Fiat 500 vs. 2005 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2005 Ford Fiesta is newer by 30 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Fiesta (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1975 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1975 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 597 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, 2005 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2005 Ford Fiesta (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Fiat 500 | 2005 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 498 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22 L | 45 L |
