2009 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Ford Capri
To start off, 2009 Fiat 500 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat 500 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1978 Ford Capri. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 186 kg more than 2009 Fiat 500.
Because 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Fiat 500 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (176 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat 500 | 1978 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Capri |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 11.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 58 L |
