2006 Fiat Panda vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 2006 Fiat Panda is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 1085 kg more than 2006 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Panda, 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Fiat Panda. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 2006 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2006 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Panda | 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Fiat | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Panda | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3080 mm |
