1975 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500, 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 Fiat 500 (145 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Escort | 500 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1248 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
