2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 750 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 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Fiat | Plymouth |
| Model | 500 | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2700 mm |
