1998 Buick Signia vs. 1973 Fiat 500
To start off, 1998 Buick Signia is newer by 25 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Signia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Signia (238 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Signia should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Signia weights approximately 1215 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, 1998 Buick Signia, 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, 1998 Buick Signia (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Buick Signia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500. 1998 Buick Signia 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. 1998 Buick Signia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Buick Signia | 1973 Fiat 500 | |
Make | Buick | Fiat |
Model | Signia | 500 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 594 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 238 HP | 18 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 387 Nm | 37 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 525 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 2980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1330 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 1850 mm |