2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 1973 Fiat 500
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 35 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 1181 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 1973 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Dodge | Fiat |
| Model | Nitro | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 22 L |
