1997 Fiat Duna vs. 1974 Fiat 500
To start off, 1997 Fiat Duna is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,696 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Fiat Duna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Fiat Duna (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Fiat Duna should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Fiat Duna weights approximately 414 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Fiat Duna, 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, 1997 Fiat Duna (105 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Fiat Duna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Fiat Duna | 1974 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | Duna | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1696 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 1850 mm |
