1979 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat 500 (101 HP) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 1979 Toyota Corolla. 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 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1979 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1979 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Toyota | Fiat |
| Model | Corolla | 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 101 HP |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2301 mm |
