1989 Daihatsu Applause vs. 1973 Fiat 500

To start off, 1989 Daihatsu Applause is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Daihatsu Applause is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Daihatsu Applause (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Daihatsu Applause should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Daihatsu Applause weights approximately 480 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Daihatsu Applause, 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, 1989 Daihatsu Applause (134 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Daihatsu Applause will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 1989 Daihatsu Applause has automatic transmission and 1973 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1973 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Daihatsu Applause will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1989 Daihatsu Applause 1973 Fiat 500
Make Daihatsu Fiat
Model Applause 500
Year Released 1989 1973
Body Type Hatchback Coupe
Engine Position Front Rear
Engine Size 1590 cc 499 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 2 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 104 HP 18 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 4600 RPM
Torque 134 Nm 27 Nm
Torque RPM 4800 RPM 3200 RPM
Engine Bore Size 76 mm 67.4 mm
Engine Stroke Size 87.6 mm 70 mm
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 990 kg 510 kg
Vehicle Length 4270 mm 2980 mm
Vehicle Width 1670 mm 1330 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 2480 mm 1850 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 22 L