2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,686 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 540 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Plymouth Barracuda 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 Plymouth Barracuda. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500, 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 Plymouth Barracuda (251 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1973 Plymouth Barracuda | |
| Make | Fiat | Plymouth |
| Model | 500 | Barracuda |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 3686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
