1996 Chrysler Cirrus vs. 1970 Fiat 500
To start off, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Chrysler Cirrus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus (150 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1970 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus should accelerate faster than 1970 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chrysler Cirrus weights approximately 948 kg more than 1970 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus, 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, 1996 Chrysler Cirrus (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Chrysler Cirrus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Fiat 500. 1996 Chrysler Cirrus has automatic transmission and 1970 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 1970 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chrysler Cirrus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chrysler Cirrus | 1970 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Fiat |
| Model | Cirrus | 500 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 24 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 1850 mm |
