1979 Citroen Visa vs. 1972 Fiat 500
To start off, 1979 Citroen Visa is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 650 cc (2 cylinders), 1979 Citroen Visa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen Visa (35 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen Visa should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Citroen Visa weights approximately 212 kg more than 1972 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Citroen Visa, 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, 1979 Citroen Visa (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 500. (28 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Citroen Visa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Visa | 1972 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | Visa | 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 722 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 22 L |
